Iglesia Anglicana de la Región Central de América calls for prayer following Panama earthquakes

Posted on: October 14, 2026 4:47 PM

The Most Revd Ramón Ovalle Primate of IARCA, Bishop of Guatemala and Interim Bishop of Panama

Related Categories: Archbishop Ramon Ovalle, Diocese of Panama, earthquake, Iglesia Anglicana de la Region Central de America, Panama

Following earthquakes on 9 and 12 October in Panama, leaders in the Iglesia Anglicana de la Región Central de América (IARCA) have called for prayer for the diocese as they assess the damage and begin to rebuild with the community.

A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Panama on the afternoon of 9 October. The tremors caused damage to buildings and infrastructure and prompted the government to announce a national state of emergency. More than 300 aftershocks were recorded in the region, and another magnitude 6 earthquake was felt three days later on the evening of 12 October.

Leaders in IARCA have called for prayers for the Diocese of Panama

On 9 October, the Most Revd Ramón Ovalle, Primate of IARCA, Bishop of Guatemala and Interim Bishop of Panama, shared the following message: ‘In these moments of uncertainty, anxiety and fear due to the strong earthquake in Panama, may the presence of God lead us to maintain calm, serenity and prudence.

‘We pray for you, dear people of Panama.

I lift up my eyes to the mountains;

Where will my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord,

who made the heavens and the earth. Psalm 121:1–2’

The following day, the Diocese of Panama shared a prayer for the nation on its official Facebook page. It read: ‘Oh God, as night falls, after a day full of scares, uncertainty and fear, we place our people in your hands.

‘Loving Father, bring peace to every heart, serenity to every family and trust to those who feel fear today. May your loving arms embrace every home tonight, calm the anxieties, and allow us to rest under your care and protection.

‘Give us prudence, strength, and hope to face these moments, remembering that, even when the earth shakes, your love remains firm and your presence never abandons us.

‘May your peace be our refuge and your love our security… May God watch over, protect, and bless Panama. May this night be one of peace, rest and hope for all.’

On 11 October, the diocese posted emergency preparedness advice in case of further tremors, along with the following message: ‘The earth shakes. God remains. Your parish is an open house: come to pray, to chat or for someone to listen to you,’ affirming the Church’s place in resilience planning and as a pillar of community support.

Also on 11 October, the Revd Canon Glenda McQueen, President of the Diocesan Council of the Episcopal Church of Panama, shared a statement with several churches and offices in the Anglican Communion. The statement thanked them for the messages of solidarity already received and called on the Communion to pray in the aftermath of the shock.

The statement shared that the first earthquake had caused damage to homes, churches and other buildings but reported at that time that clergy, their families and the students at the Episcopal schools were unharmed.

‘In the coming days, we hope to receive more complete information regarding the families and communities that have been affected. This will allow us to discern and coordinate our response as a Church, in collaboration with the Ecumenical Community of Panama and other organisations that may join in the relief efforts.

‘In the meantime, we ask that you continue to hold our country in prayer, especially the families and communities experiencing uncertainty and fear, as well as the authorities, emergency response teams, and all those working in the affected areas.’

The statement went on to say, ‘We are deeply grateful for the prayers, phone calls, messages and expressions of solidarity we have received from our sister dioceses and from the wider Anglican Communion. Your support reminds us that, even in difficult times, we walk together as one body in Christ.’

On 13 October, the President of the House of Priests, Deacons and Laity for IARCA, the Revd Deacon Maycol Morgan Ellis, shared a message. ‘It is precisely in these times where faith calls us to perseverance and hope. Therefore, I encourage you to continue united in fervent prayer for Panama, trusting that the Lord will sustain our people and restore our lands.’