Emerging Leaders Academy 2026 Begins in Brazil
A first experience of church in Brazil: some of the participants at Paróquia Anglicana Jesus de Nazaré in Olinda.
Across the Anglican Communion, many young people are part of churches and involved in outreach work to their local communities. But leadership, particularly at a young age, can feel lonely without support, training or space to learn and connect from others.
In partnership with the Anglican Communion Youth Network and the Episcopal Divinity School, USPG is delighted to launch the 2026 cohort of the Emerging Leaders Academy (ELA). Over the next two weeks, young people from across the Anglican Communion are gathering in Recife, Brazil, beginning an exciting year of learning, fellowship and leadership formation.
The time together will focus on exploring and sharing a Jesus-like approach to leadership, grounded in mutual accompaniment, attentive to diverse contextual realities, and shaped by a shared commitment to justice.
Check out highlights from ELA 2025 in Limuru, Kenya here:
This year’s residential takes place in Brazil from 9 to 24 October, with participants engaging in leadership development, cross-cultural exchange, Bible studies and prayer.
Dr Paulo Ueti, Theological Advisor and Regional Manager for the Americas and the Caribbean, is one of the facilitators of the programme. In his words:
“We are immensely excited to welcome the 2026 cohort of the Emerging Leaders Academy here in Recife. This programme is really important as it provides a much-needed space for intentional, transformative discipleship.”
He continues:
For our young people, leadership must never be a lonely endeavour; it is a deeply collaborative, community-centred journey. To witness emerging leaders from across the Anglican Communion come together to nurture this vision fills me with profound hope and energy for the work ahead.”
Meet the cohort:
- Luiz Eduardo – Brazil
- Rashel Doyayag – The Philippines
- Edwinraj Thurairaj – Sri Lanka
- Grace Nan – Myanmar
- Demarius Walker – USA
- Julia Aleman – El Salvador
- Franz Pawe – The Philippines
- Nicole Marima – Zimbabwe
- George Hesketh – UK
- Laya Walters – UK
- Moses Mandeya – Zimbabwe
- Wispe DeCoteau – Trinidad & Tobago
- Anugrah Brij – India
- Ashley Gonzales – USA
There’s plenty in store! From worship at local churches across Recife to developing leadership and communication skills, it’s set to be a great few weeks.
We’ll be sharing updates along the way, so follow along for updates @USPGglobal.