Sean Major-Campbell | New wineskins: conveyors of hope and channels of healing

“If the Church is to remain relevant, we cannot close our minds to new research, discoveries, and developments across various disciplines, including the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Ignorance is not a Christian virtue. At times, the old cannot fit into the new, nor the new into the old. Some new developments can help us carry out God’s mission more effectively and efficiently. If we are to remain faithful to God’s call, we may therefore need to let go of some old practices.”

These are the words of the Right Reverend Leon Golding, bishop of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, delivered at the opening service of the 155th Annual Synod. Preaching last Tuesday, April 7, 2026, in the Cathedral of St Jago de la Vega, Spanish Town. The Diocesan Bishop spoke under the theme: “New Wineskins: Conveyors of Hope and Channels of Healing; The Journey Continues.”

A CALL TO FLEXIBILITY

In these times when resources are stretched and churches are increasingly called to work together in service to humanity and to the glory of God, this is a message upon which we may indeed build new wineskins.

Bishop Golding observed:

“The theme of the most recent Triennial Synod of the Church in the Province of the West Indies, held in November last year, was ‘The Church in a Changing World: Renewed, Revitalized, Reimagined, Reset’. It challenges us to rethink how we live out our faith in a rapidly changing world. We must consider new and creative ways of doing ministry … . Through God’s grace, modern developments can help us become conveyors of hope and channels of healing in people’s lives.”

The Church, therefore, ought to remain open to where, and how, the Holy Spirit may be leading us to become new wine poured into new wineskins.

Prophetic Witness and Moral Courage

In these times which call for courageous leadership in advocacy for the least among us, and for integrity in speaking truth to power, it is heartening to hear this clear affirmation of prophetic witness. The Diocesan Bishop stated:

“Caring for people also requires the Church to be a prophetic voice in society, especially on behalf of the poor and vulnerable. A lack of accountability and corruption in the public sector disproportionately harms those least able to bear the burden. The misuse of public funds undermines progress in education, health, agriculture, and services for those most in need, including people with disabilities.”

Our words and actions, he reminds us, always have consequences. Yet, it is the most vulnerable who first and most heavily bear the burdens created by economic hardship, climate change, war, and selfish or destructive actions. The Church, informed by Kingdom values, must therefore speak truth to power – locally and internationally.

And, lest we forget, the Church itself is also a space of power and privilege. This same prophetic lens must be applied inwardly as well.

All churches, regardless of denominational identity, are called to be vehicles of this prophetic word. Bishop Golding articulated this with remarkable clarity:

“We need leadership at all levels that inspires hope through integrity and hard work. When people repeatedly hear of corruption and misappropriation in high places, they can lose faith in honest pathways to success. We need leaders whose examples restore hope.”

MORE ON HOPE

The message of hope is also echoed by the Most Reverend Dame Sarah Mullally, archbishop of Canterbury, in her Easter reflection:

“This hope is not abstract. We proclaim it in a world marked by deep suffering and conflict. We think of those living amid war and violence – across the Middle East, in Ukraine, in Sudan, and in so many other places – and of the churches of the Holy Land, bearing faithful witness under immense strain. We remember all who are displaced, oppressed, or forgotten, and we renew our calling as Christians to stand with the marginalised and to serve those most in need.”

These are, without question, deeply challenging times for our world. Still, hope must be kept alive. Our journey continues with Bishop Golding’s timely reminder:

“As new wineskins are essential for preserving new wine, so the Church must be continually renewed for the work God calls us to do – so that we may truly be conveyors of hope and channels of healing in this nation.”

AN EASTER CRY FOR PEACE

Complementing this global chorus is Pope Leo XIV’s Urbi et Orbi address at Easter—a papal blessing traditionally marked by calls for peace and renewal. He exhorted the world:

“In the light of Easter, let us allow ourselves to be amazed by Christ! Let us allow our hearts to be transformed by his immense love for us! Let those who have weapons lay them down! Let those who have the power to unleash wars choose peace — not a peace imposed by force, but through dialogue; not with the desire to dominate others, but to encounter them.”

At this Easter time, may we indeed pray and work for peace. May we carry both the message and the actions of hope. Let us receive, deeply and humbly, these further words from Pope Leo XIV:

“On this day of celebration, let us abandon every desire for conflict, domination, and power, and implore the Lord to grant his peace to a world ravaged by wars and marked by hatred and indifference that leave us feeling powerless in the face of evil. To the Lord we entrust all hearts that suffer and await the true peace that only he can give. Let us entrust ourselves to him and open our hearts to him. He is the only one who makes all things new.”

Fr Sean Major-Campbell is an Anglican priest and advocate for human rights and dignity. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and seanmajorcampbell@yahoo.com.