Academic and social activist Rev Merlyn Hyde Riley on Saturday smashed Baptist tradition after she was elected the first woman general secretary in almost two centuries of the Jamaican Baptist movement, renowned for its fight against slavery.

News of Hyde Riley’s appointment electrified the 173rd general assembly of the Jamaica Baptist Union (JBU) which brought thousands to the Boulevard Baptist Church on Washington Boulevard and the National Arena in St Andrew over February 22 and 26, 2023.

But Hyde Riley, a rising star in the local and international Baptist constellation, had to prove herself further by achieving a successful stint as acting general secretary since October 2021, a period that served as a virtual apprenticeship for the prestigious position.

She immediately signalled that the role of Baptist women would be celebrated even more now, arguing that her appointment “reaffirms the work and worth of the women of the JBU, whose model of Christian Service opened the eyes of many to the reality that God has gifted both women and men to do the work of the Lord”, a press statement from the JBU said.

“I also have a vision for the Union to take the lead in recapturing the imagination and passion of our forebears that will find expression in our work for justice, peace and the empowerment of our Jamaican people so that they can fully realise a life befitting people created in the image of God,” Hyde-Riley was quoted as saying.

The new general secretary began her pastoral ministry in July 1999 at the Port Antonio Circuit of Baptist Churches in Portland where she was also ordained on August 20, 2001, serving later as associate general secretary with responsibility for youth.

Rev Hyde Riley’s leadership abilities were quickly recognised when she was elected as the first woman president of the largest and oldest umbrella group of churches in Jamaica, the Jamaica Council of Churches (JCC).

She is currently one of two vice moderators for the World Council of Churches (WCC), a critical position in the four-member strategic apex of the WCC, the press statement said.

Giving her his ringing endorsement, JBU President Glenroy Lalor noted that Hyde Riley had been well prepared in heart and mind to serve the union as general secretary at this time.

“Her service in local and international ecumenical movements, her commitment to the JBU, her strong work ethic and her abiding and growing spirituality have prepared her for this office. She has been prepared by the Holy Spirit for such a time as this,” said Rev Lalor.

Rev Karl B Johnson, whom she succeeds after 20 years in that capacity and who is now back in the pastorate, said he had served with Hyde Riley for more than a decade, and for him it was “a blessing to have witnessed this historic moment”.

“She’s sure-footed in her Christian walk; has a servant heart, a keen intellect and is dependable and organised in discharging her duties. There could hardly have been a more prepared person for that office; and I offer her my full support and prayers,” Johnson said.

As the chief coordinating officer of the JBU, Rev Hyde Riley is tasked with administrative, strategic and spiritual leadership to the nearly 40,000-strong denomination worshipping in just under 340 churches; and to give oversight to the daily operations of the union’s secretariat.

“She is also expected to work closely with the president, officers and executive committee to shape the Union’s mission strategy and to formulate and implement policies to guide the work of the Union,” the JBU said.

Rev Hyde Riley has led and served on several committees and civic boards, in the JBU, the WCC and the Baptist World Alliance. She currently serves as a member of the board of governors of the United Theological College of the West Indies (UTCWI); the Teachers Services Commission and the National Council on Education.

A gender specialist with a master’s degree with distinction in gender studies, a first-class honours degree in theology and another in arts and general studies from The University of the West Indies, Hyde Riley has been a strong advocate of gender mainstreaming among Baptists and in secular organiastions, the JBU said.

“Her strong academic background, experience as an accredited pastor and moderator of several churches, as well as her grounding in the teaching profession will serve her very well in this position that requires critical thinking skills, mobilisation strategies, effective communication skills, mediation and conflict management skills and strong interpersonal relationships,” it added.

Her immediate objectives are to lead the development of a strategic plan to guide the work of the union for the next five years and to re-energise the ministers and membership towards a path of renewal, “many of whom have for various reasons become disconnected or lost their passion for church,” Hyde Riley explained.

“Getting people to re-engage is never easy, especially at a time when people are disengaging from church and institutions in a more individualistic and post Christian society. People sometimes have a wait-and-see approach and so it may take some time to galvanise people in our quest for renewal,” she suggested.

Rev Hyde Riley is a member of the Gregory Park Baptist Church. She is married to Ainsworth Riley and is the mother of their two sons, Gabe and Galen.