Approximately 200 clergy and lay representatives in the Anglican Diocese of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands will meet for a special synod on Monday, March 24 to elect a new diocesan bishop.

Known as an elective assembly, the synod will be held at St Luke’s Church Hall, Cross Roads, and will follow an opening service in the church at 9:00 am.

The successful candidate will succeed Howard Gregory, who served as the 14th diocesan bishop from May 17, 2012 until his retirement on December 31, 2024.

The diocese has been in the hands of Canonical Administrator Leon Golding, the suffragan bishop of Montego Bay and senior bishop, since January 1, 2025.

In keeping with the constitution and canons of the Church, a quorum of three-quarters of both the House of Clergy and the House of Laity (lay representatives) is required in order for the election to proceed.

Priests over the age of 30 from anywhere in the Anglican Communion are eligible for election. However, prospective candidates are required to provide written support from five members of the synod, and they, in turn, must indicate in writing, on the prescribed nomination form, a willingness to serve.

The candidates will only be revealed after the assembly is duly constituted and they will be expected to withdraw from the assembly which will debate the attributes of each nominee prior to the vote.

For a candidate to be deemed to have been elected he/she must receive two-thirds of the votes of each of the two houses.

If an individual receives less than 10 per cent of the votes in either category that person will be determined as rejected by the assembly and will be withdrawn from the process.

If only one person is duly nominated the assembly will be asked to vote for or against the candidate, who must still secure two-thirds support of both houses to be considered elected.

The church’s canons provide for up to 12 rounds of ballots until a candidate receives the necessary majority. If there is no clear winner after 12 ballots, the matter will be referred to a selection committee for a final decision.

After a successful conclusion, preparations will be made for the consecration of the bishop-elect, if not already a bishop, and then the enthronement to the episcopal seat in the Cathedral Church of the diocese — St Jago de la Vega in Spanish Town, St Catherine.

The church has been in prayer for a number of weeks in preparation for the assembly, which is expected to unite the faithful in one mission for Christ and His Church.

There will be a evensong today, Sunday, March 23, 2025 at St Andrew Parish Church beginning at 4:00 pm as the church prepares for the election.

The Diocese of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands recently celebrated it 200th anniversary under the theme ‘Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow — Celebrating Service, Guarding Justice, Affirming Hope’.