Challenges and Opportunity in Belize

It is now Wednesday, into my 3rd day in the diocese of Belize. Bishop Phillip and his staff have been nothing but warm and welcoming to me.

After attending the Tuesday morning Eucharist at the Cathedral, I had a lunch meeting with the diocesan administrator and the manager of Anglican Schools.

I am beginning to have a better understanding of how the diocese of Belize operates, and what some of its many challenges are. An immediate concern for the diocese is its need for priests. There are not enough priests to do all the work required in the Anglican Church throughout the country. And with very limited and lacking resources, both human and material, the diocese is also trying to discern new ways to re-connect with the people of the country. Although there may be differences, this is some of the same song we are singing in our own diocese and province.

I am also beginning to get a better sense of how closely the schools of Belize are connected with the various churches. What an opportunity for the church to positively influence the young people of Belize. The government is of course involved in the funding and operating of all schools, but it is in partnership with the churches. Although we in Newfoundland and Labrador will never again know this kind of relationship between church and school, is there something we can learn from Belize about how the church can recover maybe some degree of relationship with local schools that can positively influence students and families?

Last night, Tuesday, the Bishop and I traveled to the capital city, Belmopan (forgive me if it is spelled incorrectly), about an hours drive west of Belize City. There we met with the local church committee on some issues of how they are to move forward in a period of leadership transition. It was very much like a vestry meeting in our own diocese, and the issues are very similar. Growing and enabling leadership and better connecting with the city were of the concerns. After the meeting we spent an hour or so with the men's fellowship group in one of their homes.

This morning, Wednesday, I had the privilege of joining the Bishop at a church service for the re-opening of the cathedral school after the Christmas holidays. 500 students were in attendance, and I had the opportunity of being able to share a homily with them. What a joy to see so many young high school students engaged in worship.

I feel privileged to have this opportunity to get to know the diocese of Belize and some of its people a little more intimately. And i am looking forward to meeting more of these beautiful people throughout the week. This is the stuff of relationship.