AEC bishops discuss pastoral letters on disasters, human sexuality

The 69th Annual Plenary Meeting of the Antilles Episcopal Conference (AEC), held from May 11–16 in the Archdiocese of Kingston, Jamaica, concluded with renewed pastoral focus on two key documents: a regional response to natural disasters, and a developing letter on human relationships and sexuality.

At the heart of the week-long gathering was the examination of a new pastoral letter titled In the Eye of the Hurricane: Living the Rhythm of the Caribbean with Faith, Solidarity, and Hope. The document is intended to provide practical guidance on disaster preparedness and response, “accentuating the essential role of faith in fostering resilience and service to those affected.”

In addition, the bishops and Church leaders made “progress” on a second pastoral letter that addresses human relationships and sexuality. The letter is expected to serve “as a vital resource for Christian leaders navigating contemporary familial and societal issues.”

At the May 11 opening, AEC President Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon set the tone with a reflection on John 20:1-10, which he described as a “spiritual compass to navigate the contemporary challenges highlighted during the opening Mass.”

The May 12-14 spiritual retreat included instruction on Conversations in the Spirit, facilitated by Fr Peter McIsaac SJ, to help bishops discern the voice of the Good Shepherd together in this “changing era”.

The business sessions addressed practical matters such as the financial report of the AEC, the development of a regional Catholic Directory, the dispensing of Church properties, and preparations for the upcoming AEC Youth Formation Programme scheduled for July 2025. The bishops also reviewed and discussed guidelines for the protection of minors and vulnerable adults.

In alignment with the week’s theme of Listening to the Good Shepherd, a panel discussion included contributions from Professor Anna Perkins, Sr Maxine McIntosh, Deacon David Chambers, and Fr Richard Brown. Their input led to the identification of five primary areas of pastoral concern: youth engagement, vocations, digital media, ongoing formation, inculturation, and the onboarding of missionaries from diverse cultural backgrounds.

The meeting concluded with a collective prayer for Pope Leo XIV and best wishes for the swift recovery of Archbishop Santiago de Wit Guzmán, the Apostolic Nuncio, who was absent due to medical surgery. —KJ