Our Story
The History of the Hispanic Anglican Mission in London
The History of the Hispanic Anglican Mission in London
A Refuge of Faith in the Heart of London
A Bilingual and Inclusive Parish
One of the most significant milestones in St Matthew’s recent history was its commitment to becoming a bilingual (English–Spanish) and inclusive parish. Under the visionary leadership of Fr. Dr. Hugo Adán, in 2018 the parish embraced this vision of bicultural ministry. The first liturgical services in Spanish were established, integrating Spanish‑speaking members into every aspect of parish life. People from diverse backgrounds were not only invited to participate, but became full and active members of the church, even taking part in decision‑making and pastoral leadership. This bilingual model has shown that the Church can truly be one family in Christ, where everyone brings their gifts regardless of language.
Faith in Action: Service That Transforms Lives
The faith of the Hispanic community at St Matthew’s soon translated into concrete acts of love for their neighbors. During the pandemic,Agapéwas born—a charitable initiative that began as a food bank for families in need and, over time, grew to offer legal assistance, English classes for immigrants, and support for refugees. These efforts show how the Christian compassion of the Hispanic Mission has deeply impacted many lives: homes were fed in the midst of crisis, vulnerable people found practical help, and new residents received guidance to settle in the country. Today, St Matthew’s not only celebrates baptisms, weddings, and confirmations in both English and Spanish, but also empowers local lay leaders and promotes an active social and evangelistic mission in the community. The entire parish is a living testimony that faith and social justice can go hand in hand, shining as a beacon of hope and service in London. Every achievement—whether a family helped or a young person stepping into leadership—reaffirms the evangelistic purpose of this mission: to bring God’s love in word and action to those who need it most.
Expansion: Cristo Salvador is Born at Brixton Road
The evangelistic vision of the Hispanic Mission was not limited to one congregation but extended southward in London to reach more people. Recently, the historic Christ Church Brixton Road (North Brixton Parish) was reborn through the hands of the Hispanic community under the name “Cristo Salvador”, becoming a new and vibrant sister church to St Matthew’s. Located near Brixton and just steps from Oval Station, this lively and welcoming church is surrounded by a thriving Latin American community, making it an ideal space for worship in Spanish and for genuine fellowship. Within its Byzantine‑style walls now resound hymns and prayers in our language, and new families have begun to call Cristo Salvador their spiritual home.
The Cristo Salvador community has embraced the bilingual model with the same enthusiasm and inclusive spirit. Each week it celebrates Holy Mass in Spanish every Sunday, while also offering an English Eucharist for the local community, reflecting the parish’s bicultural identity. Under the guidance of the pastoral team shared with St Matthew’s, Christ Church has entered “a new season” full of life, launching innovative initiatives for families and young people in the area. This renewal has brought great joy and hope to both long‑time members and new believers: the church is filled with music, prayer, and warmth, showing that the Anglican Church also speaks Spanish and that Jesus welcomes everyone in their own language. With every person who walks through its doors in Brixton, the Hispanic Mission grows in strength and reach, igniting the light of Christ in another corner of London.
Our Vision and Core Values
The vision of the Hispanic Anglican Mission is rooted in cultural diversity, pastoral service, and the pursuit of social justice, reflecting the love of Christ in everything it does. From this vision arise five core values that guide every step of the ministry and give it its evangelistic identity:
- Inclusion: Creating a space where all people, regardless of origin, language, or status, are welcomed as an integral part of the community. The church extends its arms like a family, receiving newcomers just as they are and celebrating the dignity and worth of every individual in God’s eyes.
- Mission: Bringing the Gospel into action for those most in need and fostering bonds of solidarity. This ministry exists to serve: visiting the sick, assisting immigrants, and going out into the streets if necessary, following Christ’s command to love our neighbor in tangible ways.
- Social Justice: Defending human dignity and promoting equity, demonstrating that faith and social action go hand in hand. Through initiatives like Agapé and other community projects, the Mission works so that the forgotten feel seen and the marginalized find justice and fraternal support.
- Formation and Leadership: Training lay leaders and offering opportunities for spiritual growth for all. The community invests in biblical and pastoral formation, empowering men and women—young and old—to serve with their gifts. In this way, the church is enriched with new ministries and testimonies, ensuring generational continuity.
- Unity in Diversity: Celebrating our cultural traditions in both Spanish and English, living as one family in Christ regardless of differences. In every bilingual Mass, in every multicultural community event, we experience a glimpse of heaven: people from different countries and accents praising the same God, united by faith and love.
These values are interwoven into the daily life of the ministry. They are felt in the way a newcomer is welcomed, in the blend of Latin music and Anglican hymns during worship, and in the commitment to step beyond the church walls to serve. Inclusion, Mission, Justice, Formation, and Unity are not just words, but pillars on which a strong, welcoming, Spirit‑filled Hispanic ministry is built.
Toward a National Evangelistic Ministry
The history of the Hispanic Anglican Mission in London is only the beginning of a larger movement. From its origins, this project has carried an expansive vision: it is part of a pastoral effort that spans the whole country, seeking to draw more people into this story of love and hope within the Hispanic community. The Hispanic Anglican Mission was born precisely to respond to the need of so many Latin Christians in London who long to express their faith in their own language and culture within the Church of England. With that same passion, it now dreams of establishing a strong, evangelistic Hispanic ministry on a national level, carrying the missionary impulse beyond the capital.
Signs of this vision are already emerging: other Anglican parishes in England have begun to show interest in developing their own Hispanic groups, inspired by the success of St Matthew’s and Cristo Salvador. Diocesan leaders support this vision, recognizing that the Church of England can be greatly enriched by integrating the growing Spanish‑speaking population with its joy, devotion, and traditions. Strengthened by its achievements in London, the Mission hopes to serve as a model and support for new Latin faith communities in various cities across the country.
Ultimately, the evangelistic vision driving this ministry is the same one that flows from the Gospel itself:
go and make disciples of all nations(Matthew 28:19), starting with those who share our language and culture. With every new Spanish‑language Mass that begins and every heart that returns to God through this effort, a new and hopeful chapter is being written. This inspiring story continues, and you too can be part of it. The Hispanic Mission invites you to join this family of faith—to pray, to celebrate, to serve—and to support the expansion of this ministry, so that together we may bring the light and hope of Christ to every corner of the Hispanic community in the United Kingdom. Welcome home!
