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:

• Julia Alemán – Pastoral Promoter, Evangelist & Nursing Student, Anglican Church of El Salvador
• Anugrah Brij – Ministry Leader, Diocese of Delhi, Church of North India
• Wispe DeCoteau – Educator and youth leader, Cathedral Church of the Most Holy Trinity, Church of the Province of West Indies
• The Revd Rashel I. Doyayag – Ordained Priest & Church Planter, Episcopal Church in the Philippines
• Ashley Gonzalez – Postulant for Priesthood, Episcopal Diocese of New York
• George Hesketh – Postulant for Priesthood, Diocese of Liverpool, Church of England
• Grace Hkawn Nan – UNICEF Country Program Officer and Church Leader, Holy Cross Church, Diocese of Yangon, Church of the Province of Myanmar
• Moses Mandeya – Director of Music and Church Leader, Church of the Province of Central Africa in Zimbabwe
• Nicole Marima – Climate advocate and Youth Leader, Church of the Province of Central Africa in Zimbabwe
• The Revd Franz Alison F. Pawe – Ordained Priest & School Chaplain, Episcopal Diocese of North Central Philippines
• Luiz Eduardo Vasconcelos da Silva – Cathedral Leader & Mission Advocate, Good Shepherd Cathedral, Episcopal Anglican Church of Brazil
• The Revd Edwinraj Thurairaj – Priest & Youth Leader, Diocese of Colombo, Church of Ceylon
• Demarius Walker – Candidate for Holy Orders, Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis & Doctoral Researcher in Peacebuilding
• The Revd Laya Watters – Parish Priest & Theological Scholar, Church of England

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.