The Triennial Synod of the Anglican Church in the West Indies is being held in Belize this week for the second time in the 125 years of the tradition. Bishops, clergy, and laity from across the Caribbean are in Belize to discuss religion and business of the church. Yesterday the Synod started off with religion at the opening at the historic St. John's Cathedral.
Keith Swift Reporting,
17 Bishops including 5 retirees and 24 clergy led a roster of 70 participants in the opening service of the Anglican Provincial Synod of the West Indies. The event was led by Arch-Bishop Drexel Gomez who spoke of the division within the church between conservatives and liberals.
Archbishop Drexel Gomez, Anglican Church
"The whole church seems to be caught in a crisis of identity in which it is unsure of itself and confused about its message and mission end of quotation. Events during the past 2 years clearly demonstrate that there are Anglicans who are caught up in this crisis of identity. Anglicans who are unsure and confused about the message and mission of the church in this modern world."
"Our challenge today is to refuse either to compromise the divine content of our message or to ignore the human context in which it has to be spoken."
Belize's Bishop also stressed the need for prayer and spiritual leadership.
Rt. Rev. Sylvestre Romero-Palma,
"I ask you again to pray for us as the Archbishop said in his sermon we are really facing challenging times and we need the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our work."
The service was attended by the Prime Minister Said Musa and Mrs. Musa, Leader of the Opposition Dean Barrow, and Governor General - all Anglicans.
The Synod ends on Thursday.