Caribbean Anglicanism: Women in Ministry, Ecumenical Theology, & Climate Justice in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands with the Rev. Natalie Blake

In this final episode of our Voices from the Anglican Communion series, Dr. Kwok Pui Lan engages with the Rev. Natalie Blake, a tutor and warden of Anglican students at the United Theological College of the West Indies. Rev. Blake offers a comprehensive look into the Anglican Diocese of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, celebrating its 200th anniversary, detailing its structure, clergy (including 28 female priests out of a total of 107), and its place within the wider church in the Province of the West Indies.

The conversation delves into the unique ecumenical theological education at the United Theological College, where students from six denominations live and study together, fostering interdenominational unity. Rev. Blake candidly discusses the challenges women in ministry face in the diocese, particularly the expectation to "prove themselves" in a way their male counterparts are not.

As a member of both the Commission for Theological Education in the Anglican Communion (CTAC) and the International Anglican-Pentecostal Commission (IPAC), she highlights the importance of shared resources, theological dialogue, and discovering commonalities across diverse Anglican and Christian traditions. Finally, Rev. Blake addresses the critical issue of climate change in the Caribbean, emphasizing how the region's "small island developing states" are already experiencing rising sea levels and altered weather patterns. She shares how Jamaican churches are actively responding through tree planting initiatives, advocating for sustainable resource management, and encouraging individual and collective mindfulness of global environmental impact.

Interested in learning more about how to live postcolonial Anglicanism? Consider joining EDS this fall for an online course taught by Dr. Kwok and the Rt. Rev. Ian T. Douglas, PhD: Living Postcolonial Anglicanism: Pastoral Perspectives from the Global Church.

 

Credits:

Music Credit: Documentary Music by ColorFilmMusic

Podcast produced by Polymnia