Caribbean Church Update: Stewardship and New Horizons
Vol. 1 | Issue 6
A weekly roundup of significant happenings, moves, and missions across the Caribbean’s Christian and ecumenical landscape.
Headline: Barbados Bishop Calls for Integrity in Upcoming National Elections
As Barbados approaches its general election on February 11, The Rt. Rev. Michael Maxwell, Anglican Bishop of Barbados, has issued a powerful call for a "virtuous and orderly" electoral process. In a pastoral letter to the nation, Bishop Maxwell urged both candidates and voters to conduct themselves in a manner that honors God and respects the dignity of every citizen.
The Bishop emphasized that political competition should not come at the expense of national unity, specifically calling for "integrity and truth" to guide the final days of campaigning. This message comes as regional observers monitor the election closely as a barometer for democratic health in the OECS.
Ecumenical & Denominational Moves
Archbishop Wright Embarks on First Provincial Tour
Following his historic election, The Most Rev. Philip S. Wright, Archbishop of the West Indies, has begun his first official tour of the province. Starting in the Diocese of Belize, the Archbishop is meeting with regional councils to outline a three-year plan focused on "Mission and Youth Re-engagement." His tour is expected to move through the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands next week.
MCCA Celebrates First Honduran Elders
In a milestone for the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas (MCCA), the church celebrated the historic ordination of the first three elders in Honduras. This move signals a significant expansion of the MCCA's Spanish-speaking mission and a deepening of ties between Caribbean leadership and Central American fellowships.
Regional Mission & Church Growth
Catholic Church Revitalization Project in Puerto Rico
A major initiative has been launched to revitalize the Catholic Church in Puerto Rico, targeting over 600 churches and 25 schools that were damaged in recent natural disasters. The project is seen as a "new birth" for the local church, combining structural rebuilding with a mission to re-engage families who were displaced during the previous years' recovery efforts.
Ecumenical Focus on "Shadow of the Cross"
As the Lenten season approaches (following the "Carnival" season in several islands), clergy like Fr. Emmanuel Pierre in Trinidad are leading a regional dialogue on the "Theology of Carnival." The focus is on moving from celebration to introspection, inviting the faithful to see Lent as a time to "refine humanity" and address social ills like domestic violence and youth trauma.
Quick Hits & Significant Dates
Nassau, Bahamas: Deacon Vincent Mungai was ordained to the diaconate this week for the Archdiocese of Nassau, marking a strengthening of the local clergy cohort.
Montego Bay, Jamaica: The Mayor has waived event fees for three historic Catholic schools—Chetwood Memorial, Mount Alvernia Prep, and Mount Alvernia High—in honor of their centennial celebrations.
Guyana: The Corpus Christi Carmelites have bid farewell to the Diocese of Georgetown after 75 years of service, handing over their ministries to the Sisters of Mercy.
Trinidad & Tobago: Archbishop Jason Gordon has declared a "national emergency" regarding youth mental health, calling for urgent church-led interventions for children facing trauma and social media addiction.
Upcoming Events to Watch
Feb 11: General Elections in Barbados (Nationwide prayer vigils scheduled).
Feb 18: SRC Virtual Meeting for the Anglican Diocese of Trinidad & Tobago.
April 5: Easter Sunday (Regional planning committees now finalizing "Sunrise" ecumenical services).
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This video features a key session from the 2026 Caribbean Conference in Kingston, offering a firsthand look at the worship and leadership discussions currently shaping the evangelical and ecumenical landscape in Jamaica.
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: