Caribbean Union Opens 18th Constituency Session During Centennial Celebration
Held under the theme "Committed to Discipleship, Compelled by Love," the quinquennial session brings together representatives from the Caribbean Union's ten conferences and missions to receive ministry reports, elect leaders, vote on recommendations, and set the strategic direction of the Church for the next five years.
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Dr. Abner De los Santos, President, Inter-American Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, delivering the sermon during the opening ceremony of the 18th Session of the Caribbean Union.
MARACAS VALLEY, Trinidad — More than 280 delegates, church leaders, and guests gathered at the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) on July 22 as the Caribbean Union Conference (CARU) officially opened its 18th Session. Held during the Union's centennial year, the four-day gathering marks both a celebration of God's leading over the past century and a leadership transition as delegates prepare to elect officers for the next quinquennium.
Held under the theme "Committed to Discipleship, Compelled by Love," the quinquennial session brings together representatives from the Caribbean Union's ten conferences and missions to receive ministry reports, elect leaders, vote on recommendations, and set the strategic direction of the Church for the next five years.
The opening ceremony set a reverent tone as delegates gathered for prayer and Scripture before hearing messages from church leaders and special guests.
Welcoming delegates, visitors, and special guests, Caribbean Union Conference President Dr. Kern Tobias reflected on the significance of convening during the Union's centennial year while preparing to conclude his final term as president. He reminded delegates that while leadership changes, the mission of the Church remains constant.
"This special constituency meeting is occurring when the Caribbean Union is celebrating our centennial year of existence. This time of celebration and the culmination of the business of Christ and His church in the Caribbean Union Conference is brimming with excitement and expectation."
Dr. Tobias also recognized the children and youth who participated in the opening ceremony, thanking them for sharing their gifts in ministry and expressing his hope that their witness would help lead many to Christ's kingdom.
Representing the host institution, University of the Southern Caribbean President Dr. Colwick Wilson described the gathering as a homecoming for many delegates and alumni. As the University prepares to celebrate its own centennial, he reflected on a century of faith, scholarship, and service while looking ahead to its next chapter.
Caribbean Union's Executive Secretary Johnson Frederick, addressing the delegates at the start of the Business Session.
Greeting delegates on behalf of the South Caribbean Conference, President Pastor Leslie Moses welcomed attendees to Trinidad and Tobago and acknowledged Dr. Tobias's years of dedicated leadership as he presides over his final Caribbean Union Session.
In his greetings, Jamaica Union Conference President Pastor Glen Samuels paid tribute to outgoing Caribbean Union Conference President Dr. Tobias, reflecting on the lasting influence of faithful leadership. Quoting Ralph Waldo Emerson, he observed, "Every institution is but the lengthened shadow of one man, and that man is you," noting that Dr. Tobias's leadership has left a lasting imprint on the Caribbean Union Conference and will continue to influence future generations.
Additional greetings were brought by leaders from across the Inter-American Division, including Atlantic Union Conference President Dr. Abraham Jules, who reminded delegates that Christ's love compels the Church to proclaim the gospel and prepare people for His soon return.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Education Minister Dr. the Honourable Michael R. Dowlath challenged delegates to ensure that every discussion and decision during the session is guided by Christ's love. Referencing 1 Corinthians 16:14, he urged the Church to demonstrate love through service, leadership, forgiveness, and compassion.
"Let all that you do be done in love. Love must be more than a feeling; it must become action; it must come into our homes, our schools, our hospitals, and our workplaces. It must be visible in the way we teach, lead, correct, and forgive."
Dr. Dowlath also commended the Seventh-day Adventist Church for its longstanding contribution to education, healthcare, community service, and national development. Praising the Adventist philosophy of holistic education, he noted that it prepares young people not only to earn a living but also to live lives of purpose and service.
Among those attending the opening ceremony were Inter-American Division President Dr. Abner De los Santos, Executive Secretary Dr. Leonard Johnson, and Treasurer Ivelisse Herrera, union presidents from across the English- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean, as well as the Honorable Farley Augustine, Chief Secretary, Tobago House of Assembly.
Throughout the four-day session, delegates will receive reports on the work of the Caribbean Union Conference, elect officers and departmental directors, consider recommendations, and make decisions that will shape the Church's ministry across the Caribbean during the next five years. As the Union begins its second century of ministry, leaders expressed confidence that the Holy Spirit will continue to guide the Church in fulfilling its mission throughout the region.