The Antillean Episcopal Conference (ACS) has played an outstanding role in strengthening dialogue and Christian unity in the Caribbean region. In a territory characterized by its cultural, historical and religious diversity, ecumenical work has become a pillar for strengthening faith and building more inclusive and just societies.
In an interview with ADN Celam, Bishop Clyde Martin Harvey , Ordinary of the Diocese of St. George’s-in-Grenada and in charge of ecumenical activities within the ACS, reflected on the challenges and advances of ecumenism in the region, highlighting the collaboration between the different Christian denominations and its impact on Caribbean society.
Monsignor Clyde Martin Harvey
From the Second Vatican Council to the present
Monsignor Clyde Harvey explains that the Christian Churches in the Caribbean have evolved in their mutual relationship , especially since the Second Vatican Council, which promoted ecumenical dialogue throughout the world . During the processes of political decolonization in the region, Roman Catholic dioceses began to work together on both ecclesial and socio-economic issues.
One of the historic moments that stands out in this path is the founding of the Caribbean Conference of Churches (CCC) in 1973. This ecumenical body, which came to have 33 member churches in 34 territories of the Caribbean, served in the social transformation of the region between the decades of 1970 and 2000. Its work was largely supported by European agencies, which financed projects in the areas of development and Christian unity.
However, from the 1990s onwards, the decline in these funds led to the weakening of the CCC, leaving the responsibility of supporting the ecumenical movement in each territory in the hands of the local Churches.
The current reality of ecumenism in the Caribbean
Today, ecumenism develops autonomously in each Caribbean country. Six of the territories have active Christian councils , which organize events during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and respond to national crisis situations.
In nations such as Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Lucia and Martinique , governments have sought the support of churches to mediate in times of political or social tension. Trust in religious institutions remains high, and the Church is seen as a fundamental pillar within civil society.
However, significant challenges remain. One of the main ones is fragmentation among Christian churches. According to Bishop Harvey, the Church in the region is divided into two large groups: the traditional churches , which include the Anglican, Baptist, Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Methodist and Presbyterian churches. These have been the main promoters of ecumenical dialogue. And the evangelical and Pentecostal churches , mostly of American origin and with strong financial backing. Many of these communities do not consider Christian unity a priority and are not active participants in ecumenical activities.
Christian unity
Bishop Harvey notes that the greatest challenge facing ecumenism in the Caribbean is the level of commitment of its leaders. Many ministers are overworked , limiting their ability to engage in interfaith dialogue initiatives. In addition, some missionaries arriving in the region have little experience in ecumenical work , making it difficult for them to integrate into these activities.
However, the rapid secularisation of Caribbean society demands a unified response from the churches. In response, several dioceses have begun to identify common problems and address them together. Some of the strategies being considered include the appointment of a full-time ecumenical officer to local Christian councils, to strengthen coordination and planning of joint activities.
Another challenge is the lack of ecumenical initiatives targeting young people. Bishop Harvey believes that not enough has been done to promote Christian unity among the younger generations. However, the recent visit of the missionary ship Logos to several Caribbean islands provided an opportunity to focus on this area. It is hoped that this experience will bear fruit and motivate the creation of ecumenical youth programs in the future.
Ecumenical projects and social action
Despite the challenges, there are ecumenical initiatives in countries such as Suriname, Guyana, Jamaica and Trinidad , where interdenominational social projects have been developed. Some communities have organised inter-Church sporting events , promoting unity through sport and teamwork.
In addition, in several dioceses a theological debate has begun on the content of the Christian faith , inspired by the text of John 11:25 “I am the resurrection and the life”. This dialogue has two main objectives: to reflect among the clergy on the shared doctrinal content , to strengthen the common Christian identity.
Invite communities to delve deeper into the meaning of resurrection and life through a year-long reflection exercise.
Interreligious dialogue, a path still to be followed
In four Caribbean dioceses there is a strong non-Christian religious presence , which poses an additional challenge for interreligious dialogue. During the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, interreligious meetings do not take place, as the churches clearly distinguish between ecumenism (dialogue between Christians) and interreligious dialogue .
However, in several dioceses, regular meetings with non-Christian religious communities are held. At public events, an interfaith tone is common, reflecting the spirit of mutual respect that prevails in the region.
However, Bishop Harvey acknowledges that there is still a “long way to go” to fully understand the different religious traditions present in the Caribbean.
The future of ecumenism in the Caribbean
Despite the challenges, the spirit of unity and interfaith respect remains a characteristic of the Caribbean region. For more than 100 years, religious schools have trained leaders in various spheres of society , contributing to social stability and the promotion of Christian values.
Bishop Harvey noted that although there are religious groups with hegemonic interests , religious tolerance has remained intact in the Caribbean. However, he warns that churches should not fear the changes that the future brings, but rather take up the challenge of preaching the Gospel with an open mind towards technological advances and new ways of understanding humanity.
“ We must dare to preach the Gospel with an openness to the future, not only in its technology, but also in the ways it challenges our understanding of God and what it means to be human ,” he said.
