Communiqué on the Proceedings of the 122nd Session of the Synod of The Diocese of The Bahamas & the Turks and Caicos Islands

Communiqué on the Proceedings of the 122^nd Session of the Synod of The Diocese of The Bahamas & the Turks and Caicos Islands convened on Monday, 20^th October, 2025 and concluded Thursday, 23^rd October, 2025

The Diocesan Council has approved this Communiqué as a faithful summary of the business of the 2025 Diocesan Synod.

Bishop’s Charge, Part 2 | In response to recent and ongoing tensions within the Anglican Communion, the Bishop reaffirmed this Diocese’s commitment to the Worldwide Anglican Communion. This is a commitment to journeying and wrestling together despite theological differences, rather than agreement with every position adopted by member Provinces.

Reports and Discussions | Reports presented at Synod included those from the Diocesan Council, Finance Committee, the Archdeaconries, the Anglican Church Men (ACM), the Anglican Church Women (ACW), the Anglican Theological Institute (ATI), and others. These reports underscore the ongoing dedication of so many to the work of God’s Church. We do, however, note the ongoing challenge of late submission of some reports.

 Financial Matters and Governance | The financial reports were made by Interim Financial Comptroller Ms. Vanessa Taylor and Chair of the Finance Committee Mr. Troy Sands. Their reports indicated that while there is still much work to be done, significant progress has been made toward putting the Diocese on a stronger financial footing. Through strengthened revenue collection, disciplined spending, and new cash management policies and procedures, the Diocese did not need to borrow money to cover its operations (up to the time of Synod).

There was a significant restructuring of school finances since the last Synod. Of note: (1) advanced planning allowed the schools to meet summer payroll needs without issue this year; (2) special non-tuition fees were segregated from the operating budgets; (3) the schools were able to re-pay some of their indebtedness to the diocese for the first time.

Members of the Synod thanked Ms. Taylor, Mr. Sands, and the Finance Committee for their hard work in addressing many long-term challenges with diocesan finances, particularly the lack of transparency and internal controls that were raised at the last Synod.

Diocesan Pension Fund Review Committee | Last year’s Synod mandated the establishment of this Committee. The Committee was charged with reviewing the governance, performance, and benefit structure of the pension fund. The following recommendations were brought forward:

• Include allowances in wage/salary calculations for NIB and pension contributions.
• Encourage voluntary contributions to the pension plan.
• Switch from a Defined Benefit (DB) to a Defined Contribution (DC) plan for new and some existing clergy.

The Synod extended the mandate of the Committee for another year as it continues review of the governance of the pension fund.

Diocesan Property Insurance Fund Review Committee | Last year’s Synod mandated the establishment of this Committee and charged it with reviewing the governance of the insurance fund and recommending a new vehicle for managing insurance activities. The Committee recommended the establishment of a foundation as the most suitable structure for the Diocese’s needs.

The Synod extended the mandate of the Committee for another year to effect the establishment of the proposed foundation, which will include the governing documents, investment policy, and other matters.

The Anglican Central Education Authority (ACEA) | The ACEA report highlighted several important issues:

• Academic Performance: Low averages for national exam grades continue to be an area of concern systemwide. Efforts are ongoing to improve the quality of teaching and student engagement.
• Infrastructure Challenges: Repair of school buildings and facilities is being centralized to allow the system to benefit from economies of scale when purchasing supplies and negotiating for labour. New classrooms are presently under construction at St. Andrew’s School in Exuma, thanks to a number of generous donations.
• Focus on Autism: The ACEA announced its plan to develop a special focus for students on the autism spectrum. This was greeted with enthusiasm, and offers of support, by members of the Synod.

Codes of Conduct | The Chancellor presented codes of conduct for clergy and certain members of the laity in the Diocese. While concerns were raised about the reporting mechanisms, both codes were accepted by the Synod, with a small minority objecting or abstaining.

Diocesan Youth Department (DYD) | Ms. D’Ondre Miller has been appointed Diocesan Youth Officer since the last Synod. She is leading a renewed effort to develop a strategic plan for the diocese and invites active participation from all stakeholders in this initiative. Additionally, the DYD is working to promote greater connectivity among youth in the various churches using regional gatherings. These gatherings have already begun in New Providence, with plans for the Family Islands and the Turks and Caicos Islands being developed.

Resolutions | The following resolutions were debated and passed:

• Clergy Housing Allowance: The housing allowance for clergy will increase to $1800 per month effective 1^st January 2026.
• Clergy Stipend: The stipend for clergy will increase 5% effective 1^st January 2026.
• Property Insurance Fund: A Bahamian Foundation will be established to manage the diocesan property insurance activities.
• Pensionable Salary for Clergy: (1) NIB contributions for clergy to be paid on the Board’s maximum allowable salary; (2) subject to actuarial review and budgetary considerations, fixed-amount allowances (as determined by the Diocesan Council) be included in pensionable salary for the pension fund; (3) the Pension Fund change to a defined contribution plan.
• Diocesan Awards and Honours Scheme: Establishment of a centralized mechanism for honouring the dedication and service of faithful Anglicans in various capacities.
• Clergy Engagement in Public Schools: Establishment of a Memorandum of Understanding with the respective ministries of education in The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands to facilitate employment of clergy stationed in the Family Islands and the Turks and Caicos as teachers and guidance counsellors in public schools.
• Acting Appointments: Acting appointments for certain Diocesan Officials without Diocesan Council approval are now limited to one year.
• Diocesan Financial Comptroller: Diocesan Council must consent to the appointment of the Financial Comptroller.

Commendations | We take this opportunity to celebrate the dedicated service of several individuals who have made significant contributions to the life of the Diocese:

• His late Grace, The Most Rev. Drexel Wellington Gomez
  • For ten years of committed service to enhancing the teaching ministry of the Diocese through the Anglican Theological Institute.

• • For his faithfulness to God and his invaluable contributions to the Diocese of The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Church in the Province of the West Indies, and the Worldwide Anglican Communion
• The Right Reverend Gilbert Arthur Thompson, on the occasion of his 90^th birthday, and in recognition of his continued dedication and commitment to God and the Church.
• Canon Peter Scott, for forty-one years of active clerical service in the Diocese.
• Rev. Angela C. Bosfield Palacious for her contributions to youth ministry.
• Mr. Gevon Moss, for dedicated and faithful service as President of the Anglican Church Men Council and a member of the Diocesan Council.
• Mrs. Joycelyn Daxon, for faithful service to the Diocese for twenty-six years, as custodian and latterly receptionist.
• Mrs. Italia Davies, on the occasion of her retirement as Director of Education with the Anglican Central Education Authority.
• The late Canon Lamuel Wellington Been, for his loving, devoted, and faithful priestly service to the Church in The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
• The late Mrs. Carolyn Moss, for her faithful service as Catechist of St. Joseph’s Church, Upper Bogue, Eleuthera, for twenty-five years.
• The late Mr. Harrison Barry, for his faithful service as Catechist of St. Paul’s Church, The Bluff, Eleuthera, for more than thirty-six years.
• The late Mrs. Annie Russell-Williams, who served faithfully as Catechist in the Parish of St. Peter and St. Anne, North Abaco, for twenty-two years.
• The late Mr. Henry Godfrey Bannister, who faithfully served the Diocese for twenty-two years as Messenger at the Diocesan Office.
• The late Mrs. Olivia Virginia Fox, for her devoted leadership as Catechist of St. Joseph’s Church, Thompson Bay, Long Island.
• The late Honourable Alden Charles Durham, who provided steadfast spiritual leadership and pastoral care to the people of God as Catechist of St. George’s Church, South Caicos.
• The late Mr. Eric Johnson, for thirty-nine years of committed service as Catechist of St. Patrick’s Church, Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera.

Diocesan Council | The Diocesan Council exercises the authority of the Synod between sessions. The Synod elected the following representatives to the Council:

• Bryton Ward (East Central Bahamas Archdeaconry)
• Cameron Wallace (East Central Bahamas Archdeaconry)
• Arthur Turnquest (East Central Bahamas Archdeaconry)
• Rondeno Rolle (West Central Bahamas Archdeaconry)
• Monique Gomez (West Central Bahamas Archdeaconry)
• Ranette Gaitor (West Central Bahamas Archdeaconry)
• Kristopher Higgs (Northern Bahamas Archdeaconry)
• Takia Taylor (Northern Bahamas Archdeaconry)
• Cherisse King (Northern Bahamas Archdeaconry)
• Vivica Sherman-Lubin (Northern Bahamas Archdeaconry)
• Philip Hield (Southern Bahamas & TCI Archdeaconry)
• Desiree Harding (Southern Bahamas & TCI Archdeaconry)
• Hilda Caley (Southern Bahamas & TCI Archdeaconry)

They join the ex-officio members of the Council:

• The Rt. Rev. Laish Boyd
• The Rt. Rev. Gilbert Thompson
• The Very Rev. Harry Bain – Dean of the Cathedral
• The Venerable Keith N. Cartwright – Southern Bahamas and TCI Archdeaconry
• The Venerable Hugh Bartlett – East Central Archdeaconry
• The Venerable Dwight Rolle – West Central Archdeaconry
• The Venerable Earl Hepburn – Northern Bahamas Archdeaconry
• Justice Bernard Turner – Chancellor
• Justice G. Diane Stewart – Vice-Chancellor
• Tonya Bastian-Galanis – Registrar
• The Venerable Mark Fox – Diocesan Administrator
• Henry Dean – ACM Council President
• Deborah McKinney – ACW Council President
• D’Ondré Miller – Diocesan Youth Officer
• Lavar Ferguson – DYD Representative
• Alphonso Major – Director of Education
• Chandler Sands – Chair of the Finance Committee
• Robert Bartlett – Chair of the Property Committee
• Fr. DeAngelo Bowe – Provincial Synod Delegate
• Fr. Ruel Strachan – Provincial Synod Delegate
• Patrice Antonio – Provincial Synod Delegate
• Ethan Adderley – Provincial Synod Delegate

Provincial Synod 2025 | This year, the Diocese has the honour of hosting the Provincial Synod, a significant event that will bring together representatives from across the Province to engage in prayerful deliberation and decision-making, especially the election of a new Archbishop for the Province. Our representatives are: Mrs. Patrice Antonio (St. George’s, NP), Mr. Ethan Adderley (St. Ambrose, NP), Fr. DeAngelo Bowe (Holy Trinity, NP), and Fr. Ruel Strachan (St. Paul’s, LI).

As a Diocese, we are once again grateful for the faithful participation of delegates in this Synod. It was a wonderful opportunity to worship and pray together, to listen to and learn from one another, as we seek to continue living out our calling as a Church.

May God bless and guide the work of His Church to His honour and glory.