The Guyana Presbyterian Church (GPC) has taken a pivotal step towards healing and reconciliation. On February 14, 2025, a symbolic day of love, 22 church leaders from the Demerara, Berbice, and Essequibo Presbyteries pledged to set aside past divisions and walk together in faith and unity.
This landmark agreement, dubbed The Valentine’s Day Accord, marks a fresh beginning for the GPC following more than four years of internal turmoil. Inspired by the words of Jesus—“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35)—the accord is a commitment to healing, restoration, and Christian discipleship.
Rev. Dr. Setri Nyomi, general secretary of the WCRC, affirmed: “This accord is a testament to the power of God’s love at work in His Church. True reconciliation begins with humility, repentance, and a commitment to walk together in faith. May the Guyana Presbyterian Church move forward as one body, united in Christ’s love.”
A Call to Healing and Reconciliation
Recognizing the pain and discord of the past, the leaders of the church have committed to a path of humility and faith. They have pledged to:
- Confess past divisions and seek God’s forgiveness.
- Embrace the call to love and unity as disciples of Jesus Christ.
- Build a future rooted in shared mission and Christian fellowship.
In a collective statement, the leaders affirmed: “We acknowledge the pain of the past, but we are choosing to move forward together, repenting of our wrongs and committing to build a church that honors God and reflects His love.”
Mediation and Leadership Transition
This significant breakthrough was made possible through mediation led by the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC), a global body representing 100 million Christians across 109 countries. The mediation team was headed by Rev. Dr. Setri Nyomi, WCRC general secretary, alongside Rev. Dr. Yvette Noble-Bloomfield, former WCRC vice president, and Rev. Dr. Collin Cowan, former general secretary of the Council for World Mission (CWM). Their efforts, bolstered by the Presbyterian Church of Canada, culminated in a two-day mediation in Georgetown, closing with a moving communion service at Ephraim Scott Memorial Church under the theme “We Are One Church.”
The mediation team gives thanks to God for the roles played by Rev. Vernon Ramcharan and Rev. Patricia Sheerattan Bisnauth, as well as other key leaders in the reconciliation process.
As a key step forward, the GPC will convene a General Synod in November 2025 to elect new leadership. In the meantime, a two-member interim leadership team will take charge beginning March 1, 2025, under the guidance of the WCRC mediation team. Their responsibilities include:
- Providing spiritual and administrative leadership to the Church.
- Re-establishing congregational meetings, sessions, and presbyteries.
- Preparing the Church for the General Synod and ensuring proper representation.
- Reviewing the credentials of all ordained ministers.
- Supporting ministerial candidates in their training and development.
- Developing training programs for pastors and elders, set to launch in 2026.
- Assessing governance structures and proposing reforms for greater transparency and accountability.
A Call to Prayer and Commitment
The WCRC mediation team expressed deep gratitude for the faith and resilience of the Guyana Presbyterian Church, which has stood strong for over a century. As the Church embraces this new chapter, its members are called to uphold the spirit of reconciliation, avoiding divisive rhetoric and actions. The mandate is clear: to be of one accord, united in prayer and faith, as the Church moves toward a renewed and strengthened future.
Guided by the Holy Spirit, members of the GPC are encouraged to fully embrace The Valentine’s Day Accord, committing to love, repentance, and the restoration of a Church that truly embodies the teachings of Jesus Christ.
