Caribbean Church Update: Resurrections and Replacements
Vol. 1 | Issue 15
A weekly roundup of significant happenings, moves, and missions across the Caribbean’s Christian and ecumenical landscape.
Headline: "We Have a Bishop!" — New Leadership for Montego Bay
The long-standing vacancy in the Diocese of Montego Bay has finally been filled. On Wednesday, April 8, the 155th Synod of the Anglican Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands elected The Very Rev. Canon Collin D. Reid as the fifth Bishop of Montego Bay.
Canon Reid, who has served as the Rector of the historic Cathedral Church of St. Jago de la Vega for nearly 20 years, was chosen during a synod themed "Renewal, Accountability, and Hope." His election brings a sense of stability to the North Coast, as the seat has been vacant since Bishop Leon Golding was elevated to lead the wider diocese in 2025.
Ecumenical & Denominational Moves
Cuba: Global Delegation Issues Post-Visit Mandate
Following their high-level solidarity visit to Havana over Holy Week, the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the Anglican Communion issued a joint statement on April 2. The delegation called for an immediate shift from "military confrontation to peaceful dialogue," citing the "fragrance of Christ" as the only antidote to the regional tensions.
Official Statement: Conclusion of International Ecumenical Solidarity Visit to Cuba
AEC Prepares for Rome "Ad Limina" Visit
The Antilles Episcopal Conference (AEC) is entering a season of intense preparation. On April 9, the AEC confirmed that the region’s Catholic bishops will travel to Rome for their Ad Limina Apostolorum visit from April 27 to May 3. During this time, they will meet with Pope Leo XIV to report on the state of the Caribbean Church, specifically addressing youth migration and the rise of secularism in the islands.
Regional Mission & Church Growth
Solar-Powered Faith in Haiti and the D.R.
The United Methodist Church (UMC) reported this week (April 6) on the transformative impact of its "Solar Oven Ministry" in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Volunteers are teaching local communities how to use sun-powered ovens to adapt recipes, providing a "lifeline" to families in areas where fuel costs have made traditional cooking impossible.
The Anglican Youth and Young Adult Ministries in Trinidad and Tobago are hosting their 2026 Youth Synod tomorrow, Saturday, April 11. Under the theme "Navigating Faith in the 868," young leaders will gather in Chaguanas to discuss how to live out their Christian identity amidst the unique cultural and social pressures of modern-day Trinidad.
Details: Anglican Diocese of T&T Youth Synod
Quick Hits & Significant Dates
Jamaica: Tributes are pouring in for Bishop Emeritus Burchell McPherson (Montego Bay), who passed recently. His Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Kingston.
Guyana: Marva Joy Hawksworth has been appointed as a Vice President of the Ecclesial Conference of the Amazon (CEAMA), a significant step for Caribbean lay leadership in the wider Amazonian church.
Guadeloupe: The diocese has launched a new "Solidarity-Health Service," integrating spiritual care with community health reflection in Basse-Terre.
Upcoming Events to Watch
April 11: Youth Synod in Trinidad (Theme: "Navigating Faith in the 868").
April 18: Funeral for Bishop Emeritus Burchell McPherson (Kingston, Jamaica).
April 27 – May 3: AEC Bishops' Ad Limina visit to the Vatican.
May 10: Annual Plenary Meeting of the AEC in Rome.
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Heed the Call to Serve the West-Indies
Are you called to lead, to serve, and to shepherd God’s people in the unique and vibrant landscape of the Caribbean? The United Holy Caribbean Apostolic Church is seeking dedicated, Spirit-filled clergy to join us in our mission of celebrating over 500 years of faith and tradition in the Patriarchate of the West-Indies.
We are a community rooted in the richness of the Divine Liturgy, the wisdom of the Caribbean Creed, and a deep commitment to ecumenical unity. If you are passionate about preserving sound doctrine while reaching the modern Caribbean heart, we invite you to explore a path of ministry with us. Whether you are an experienced minister or feeling a fresh pull toward the diaconate or priesthood, your journey starts here.
Take the next step in your vocation. Fill out the interest form below to connect with the Department of Ecumenical Relations: