[From the Inter-Anglican Standing Commission on Unity, Faith and Order] The rich flavour of Jamaican church life has greeted members of the Inter-Anglican Standing Commission on Unity, Faith and Order (IASCUFO) gathered in Ocho Rios at the invitation of the Bishop of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, the Rt Revd Howard Gregory, himself a member of that Commission.

After initial discussions on deepening unity within the Anglican Communion and with other Churches, group members undertook a pilgrimage to experience church life in the diocese.  Journeying across the island, through Fern Gully and the Rio Cobre Gorge, the group witnessed the disturbing impact of bauxite mining on communities and landscape.

They were welcomed at St Jago Cathedral in Spanish Town by Canon Collin Reid and shown the historic building celebrating 300 years of Anglican worship in 2014.  The anniversary plans focus on re-birth, renewal and revival as the church faces social challenges and shifts in demography in the area and seeks God’s guidance in responding.

In down-town Kingston the group visited the Parish of All Saints and St Alban’s and witnessed the church’s impressive response to the challenges of inner-city ministry.  Bishop Gregory shared how Canon Abner Powell has led the local church’s ministry for over 30 years in offering a safe and transforming place to those in need and in providing education at infant, primary and secondary levels.  The Boys’ Choir at Kingston College offered an impromptu performance of choral music as they prepared for their renowned Christmas concerts.

Visiting the University of the West Indies, the Commission members saw the valued contribution of the ecumenical chaplaincy in providing sacred space within the secular university.  They met Anglican candidates training for ministry at the ecumenical seminary, United Theological College, and had the opportunity to interact with its President, Revd Marjorie Lewis and with those responsible for equipping evangelists and non-stipendiary ministers within the diocese.

The day ended with Evening Prayer in the Bishop’s Chapel at which Canon Grace Jervis led a moving rendition of the hymn Brother, sister let me serve you.  Together with hosts from the Diocese of Jamaica, the gathered company affirmed in song, “We are pilgrims on a journey, and companions on the road.”

Reflecting on the day’s journey, the Most Revd Bernard Ntahoturi, Archbishop of Burundi and IASCUFO Chair, welcomed the opportunity of seeing church life and its engagement with the community.  “We’ve seen wealthy communities on the hilltops and poor people in the valley.  I’m enormously impressed at the church’s work amongst the poor.  We’ve seen the church’s lively engagement with those on the edge.”

IASCUFO’s meeting continues until 11^th December with a full agenda including feedback from the 15^th Anglican Consultative Council in Auckland, New Zealand and reflections on the recent World Council of Churches Assembly in Busan, Korea.