In 2024, the Diocese of Oxford and the Diocese of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands agreed to establish a new link partnership. Together, we are exploring areas of mission including the role of young people in the church, racial justice and our shared history, and the importance of caring for the environment and tackling climate change.
The new link was proposed by Archbishop Howard Gregory, diocesan bishop of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands and primate of the Church of the West Indies, following his visit to the Diocese of Oxford as part of the Windrush Commemorations in 2023.
As part of the move towards the partnership, two clergy from Oxford Diocese spent two weeks in Jamaica around Holy Week and Easter 2024. Having been placed in parishes for Holy Week and Easter, they then also attended the Synod at which the Diocese of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands agreed to the partnership.
The new link has a joint link committee chaired by the bishops from either side. We are looking forward to learning from each other and growing in knowledge and love of each other and of God.