HAROLD G BAILEY

Observer writer

NEW YORK, USA — In what is being considered here as a first, a Jamaican has been elevated to head a large chapter of the powerful Reformed Church in America.

Patrick A Beckford, a Trelawny native, took over as head of the New Brunswick, New Jersey circuit of the church at the beginning of the month, following his election to the position at a regional synod of delegates last year.

“It’s a great honour,” Beckford said of his elevation, which makes him an elder of the church.

Beckford, who has been with the church organisation for the past 14 years, will oversee 29 churches in the New Brunswick circuit with a membership of close to 10,000, including pastors and other church officials. In that role, he will be involved with the ordination and installation of new ministers and other clergy.

The Reformed Church in America has a worldwide presence, an especially strong following in Europe, and according to Beckford, “is affiliated with the United Church of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands.”

The newly-minted elder said that apart from the customary religious activities, the church is well-known for its social justice programmes, which he plans to expand and enhance.

Among such programmes, he said, are projects to improve housing conditions and advocating for improvements in immigration laws and enforcement.

Beckford has been very active in diaspora affairs for many years and previously headed the diaspora board for the North East United States. He has often proposed that the Jamaican Government consider launching a diaspora bond as a means of improving its fiscal position, and strengthening its ties with the diaspora in terms of decision-making and policy formulation.