The Anglican Diocese of Barbados has a new bishop.
The House of Bishops has appointed the Reverend Michael Bruce St John Maxwell, rector of Holy Trinity Church, to be the next Bishop of Barbados.
He succeeds the Most Reverend Dr John Holder who retired as Bishop and Archbishop of the West Indies on February 28.
Maxwell, an Independent Senator, is married to Dawn Holder-Maxwell. They have two sons, Michael and Christopher.
On Sunday the Bishop-elect told members of the congregation, where he has been serving for 10 years, that while he is still adjusting to the news that he has been chosen to the lead the Anglican Diocese, he is aware that a mammoth task lies ahead, considering all that has been happening in society, as it relates to crime, violence, and a rising unemployment rate.
However, 47-year-old Reverend Maxwell said with God’s grace and strength he is willing and ready to answer his calling, as he assured that the Holy Spirit will be guiding and directing the path.
“He has called and I am also sure that he will also supply the strength to enable me to conquer. One of the first issues I believe I have to deal with is to try to unify our church again after the Bishop election itself, but of course also the issues the nation itself is going through with the Barbados Economic Recovery and Transformation (BERT) Programme,” Maxwell said.
“I think that the church itself has to have an integral role in responding pastorally to the needs of the people who will be affected by this transformation in our nation. And so of course, I believe that as Bishop, I will have to inspire the clergy and the parishes to be able to respond pastorally to the needs of our nation, while I try to do my best from my level of involvement as leader of this church.”
