New Converted National Ecumenical Council Pledges to Strengthen Unity and Preserve Spiritual Baptist Heritage
By Admin. Updated 7:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 20, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
The newly constituted Converted National Ecumenical Council (C-NEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering greater unity within the Converted/Spiritual Baptist Faith while placing renewed emphasis on preserving its cultural heritage and encouraging greater participation by young people.
In a media release, the Council said its formation represents a continuation of longstanding efforts to bring together the various expressions of the Converted/Spiritual Baptist community in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, rather than the beginning of a new movement.
Guided by the motto, “Maintaining Our Heritage – Advancing Our Faith,” C-NEC said it intends to provide a coordinated platform through which churches, dioceses, ministries, missions, chapels, prayer houses, youth organisations and other affiliated groups can work collectively to strengthen the faith and its contribution to national life.
The Council said preserving the rich heritage of the Converted/Spiritual Baptist Faith remains central to its mission. It noted that the faith has played an important role in shaping the country’s cultural identity through its worship, music, oral traditions, leadership structures, community engagement and spiritual practices.
According to C-NEC, these traditions form part of the broader cultural fabric of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and should be documented, protected and passed on to future generations.
The Council also intends to promote greater public recognition of the contribution the Converted/Spiritual Baptist community has made to Vincentian society while creating opportunities for its cultural heritage to be shared more widely.
Youth development has also been identified as a key priority.
C-NEC said it believes the future of the faith depends on the active involvement of young people and will therefore seek to encourage youth participation, leadership and cultural development to ensure the faith’s traditions continue for generations to come.
The Council has formally elected its executive, with Bishop Vernon Douglas serving as President and Bishop Philomena Tittle as Vice President. The executive also includes leaders representing the Council’s various ministries and other key areas of its work.
While acknowledging previous initiatives aimed at strengthening unity within the faith, C-NEC said its establishment builds on those earlier efforts through what it described as a more structured and collaborative approach.
As part of its public outreach, the Council said it will soon begin an awareness campaign to introduce its leadership, mandate and objectives to communities across the country.
An official launch is expected in the coming months, when additional details about the Council’s structure and future plans will be announced.
C-NEC has also appealed to the local media for support throughout its awareness initiative, noting that members of its leadership will be available for interviews and public engagement as it seeks to advance its vision of greater unity within the Converted/Spiritual Baptist Faith.
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