The Thirtieth Synod of the Moravian Church Eastern West Indies Province concluded on Wednesday, July 18, 2012 with the Closing Communion Service held at the Nisky Moravian Church, St. Thomas, USVI.
The Synod was called to order on Friday, July 13th at the Sugar Bay Resort and Spa, Smith Bay, St. Thomas. Some 71 delegates and 42 observers were in attendance.
Over the course of the next five days, reports were presented by the administrative body of the Province — the Provincial Elders Conference (PEC), the Superintendents of the Conferences that make up the Province, and those with special areas of responsibility.
The synod celebrated and recommitted the church to the new work in Grenada, hearing a report of steady progress from the Missionary, Sis Hyacinth Taylor.
The socio-economic realities of the region and the challenges they pose to the ministry of the church were acknowledged.
Twenty-one resolutions were passed on matters including administration, finance, church growth and church planting, the exercise of spiritual gifts, Christian education and baptism.
The Synod wrestled with the matter of the election of a bishop and eventually concluded that the same should be delayed.
The newly elected PEC was installed at the closing service in the persons of:
- Rev. Dr. Cortroy Jarvis—Chairman, Responsible for Administration, Christian Education, Ecumenical Matters & Unity Affairs
- Rev. Dr. Errol Connor—Vice Chairman, Responsible for Mission and Evangelism
- Rev. Ezra Parris—Secretary, Responsible for Ministry and Theological Education
- Sis. Elisa Hodge—Member responsible for Finance
- Bro. George Ramsay—Member responsible for Development
The next meeting of the Provincial Synod will be held in Antigua in the year 2015, if God tarries.
