The World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC), in partnership with the Caribbean and North American Area Council (CANAAC) and the United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, gathered for a vibrant Reformation Sunday worship on October 27, 2024. Held at Elmslie Church in Grand Cayman, the service brought together around 70 participants, including CANAAC delegates and key leaders such as WCRC President Rev. Najla Kassab, General Secretary Rev. Dr. Setri Nyomi, and Vice Presidents Lisa Vanderwal and Samuel Ayete-Nyampong.

The Reformation Sunday worship served as a celebration of the shared commitment to the Reformed faith and the vision of a just, transformed society. Infused with Caribbean-style music, the service underscored the importance of communal transformation through faith and solidarity. This year’s service also connected deeply with three initiatives: the Accra Plus Twenty, the Zacchaeus Tax Campaign, and the Ten Euro Campaign, emphasizing the ongoing journey of Reformation ideals.

Nyomi highlighted the significance of gathering in Grand Cayman, remarking, “It was good to gather here in the Cayman Islands with CANAAC member churches to celebrate this Reformation Sunday. Amidst song and dance Caribbean-style, we reaffirm the church of today being called to the work of societal transformation. It is our hope that all member churches of the WCRC are inspired by this to play leadership roles in bringing to birth more just communities. That is what the reformers did, and that is what we are called to do.”

Angela Martins, Chairperson of the CANAAC Steering Committee, noted the energy and momentum built by this gathering as the CANAAC delegates look ahead to their General Assembly: “It was a great privilege for us to host the WCRC Reformation Service here in the CANAAC region. It came as an appropriate entry point into our CANAAC General Assembly carrying the theme ‘Persevere in your Witness.’ Our delegates are very energized by this opportunity as we head into our sessions in the days ahead.”

In her sermon, WCRC President Najla Kassab spoke passionately on the enduring mission of the church. “Reformation Sunday is an opportunity to celebrate the past and be shaped anew on the journey towards a better church that strives towards justice for all the oppressed,” Kassab said. “It is a time where we discover that continual reformation inspires our new imagination of what the church could be so she looks like her Lord.”

The WCRC extends heartfelt thanks to the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, with special appreciation for Rev. Dr. Kathy Smith and Maria Eugenia Cornou, whose support was instrumental in preparing the liturgy for this significant occasion.

Reformation Sunday is celebrated annually by WCRC congregations around the world, providing an opportunity for member churches to reaffirm their faith and renew their commitment to social justice, inclusion, and community empowerment. This year’s service in Grand Cayman was an inspiring reminder of the role that faith communities can play in shaping a better, more just world.