Caribbean Church Update: Crisis and Compassion
Vol. 1 | Issue 7
A weekly roundup of significant happenings, moves, and missions across the Caribbean’s Christian and ecumenical landscape.
Headline: Cuban Bishops Postpone Vatican Visit Amid National Crisis
In an unprecedented move, the Catholic Bishops of Cuba announced on February 12th that they have requested Pope Leo XIV to postpone their scheduled ad limina visit to Rome. The delegation was set to meet the Pope on February 20th, but the bishops cited the "worsening socio-economic situation" on the island as a reason to remain with their flock.
The crisis has intensified following new oil-related sanctions, leading to fuel shortages for even commercial aircraft and increasing social instability. While the bishops stay behind to navigate this "grave situation," Caritas Cuba has begun coordinating the distribution of international humanitarian aid containers specifically for those affected by recent weather events, bypassing state participation to ensure direct delivery to the needy.
Ecumenical & Denominational Moves
Anglican "Provincial Sunday" Celebrated Across the Region
On Sunday, February 8th, thousands of Anglicans celebrated Provincial Sunday, a day dedicated to the unity of the Church in the Province of the West Indies (CPWI). In a collective message, leadership emphasized that the province is "not isolated dioceses, but one people," specifically calling for the region to be bearers of hope amid geopolitical shifts.
Ecumenical Officers Gather for Regional Strategy
Ecumenical officers from across the Caribbean and Latin America recently concluded a first-of-its-kind regional meeting in Argentina, hosted by the World Council of Churches (WCC). The focus was on consolidating the network of WCC members to better address justice and peace initiatives specifically tailored to the unique challenges of the Caribbean islands and their neighboring territories.
Regional Mission & Church Growth
Trinidad: "Anglicans with Sweet Hands" Fundraiser
The Anglican Diocese of Trinidad and Tobago is moving forward with its major fundraiser for the Toco Retreat Centre (Bishop's Sanctuary on the Hill). This week, the "Anglicans with Sweet Hands" culinary event was announced, signaling a creative shift in how regional churches are leveraging local culture to fund sanctuary restoration and mission-critical infrastructure.
Haiti: Tragic Loss of Mission Flight
The Caribbean mission community is mourning after an Agape Flights airplane crashed in Haiti earlier this week. The organization, which provides critical cargo and mail services to over 300 missionary families in the Caribbean, reported no survivors. Ecumenical leaders across the region have issued calls for prayer for the families and the mission organizations affected by this disruption to the "lifeline" of Caribbean missions.
Quick Hits & Significant Dates
Valentine’s Day "Love Heals" (Feb 14): The WCC’s Thursdays in Black campaign is running a Valentine’s special focused on how "Love Heals" as a form of resistance against gender-based violence, a major theme for Caribbean church councils this week.
Jamaica: Following the ordination of four new priests earlier this month, Archbishop Kenneth Richards of Kingston is focusing February on "Clergy Formation" to address the growing needs of urban parishes.
Dominica: Youth are encouraged to register for the BLAZE 2026 Senior Youth Camp, which is gaining traction across the OECS for its focus on "Bold Leadership."
Upcoming Events to Watch
Feb 18: SRC Virtual Meeting for the Anglican Diocese of Trinidad & Tobago.
Feb 27: Expected date for regional ecumenical updates regarding the status of the "Zone of Peace" in the Southern Caribbean.
March 5–7: Regional training for temple and family history (multi-denominational participation in some territories).
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This pastoral message from Archbishop Jason Gordon offers insight into the spiritual priorities and regional concerns currently facing the Catholic leadership in the Antilles.
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: