Jamaica-born Bishop Donald Reece of the diocese of St John-Basseterre has been elected to the Praesidium of the Caribbean Conference of Churches (CCC) for the next five years.

He joins president Dr Oluwakemi Linda Banks of the Anglican Church ( Anguilla ), and chair of the Praesidium, president Rev Dr. Lesley Anderson of the Methodist Church ( Panama ). Both were re-elected to serve another term by the CCC General Assembly on June 15.

The elections were the climax of the CCC's Seventh General Assembly which took place in Panama City, Panama at the Hotel Riande Continental, from June 10 -15. A new board of directors - the Continuation Committee, which consists of 12 persons - was also elected to assist with the running of the organisation.

Members of the new board include Church, youth and women representatives from several of the CCC's 33 member countries, including Cuba , French Guyana, Dominican Republic , Antigua , Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago .

A number of resolutions were passed during the Assembly with the intent of taking the organisation into the future. Resolutions touched on several of the contemporary issues affecting the Caribbean as well as other issues of urgent concern that were raised during the Assembly.

These issues included the role of women and youth within the CCC, the financial sustainability of the organisation, the role of the Church in social affairs, and the state of ecumenism, regionally and internationally. These came to the fore during several discussions held.

A profound theological exploration on the Assembly theme, Healing and Transformation, Given in Christ, Fulfilled through the Holy Spirit, was led by Rev Professor Kortright Davis of Howard Divinity School, Howard University, Washington DC.

Professor Neville Duncan of the University of the West Indies , Mona campus, Jamaica, also made a significant introductory input in sketching the contemporary Caribbean context

Former CCC president Myrtha Leetz of Curaçao and Dr Ofelia Ortega, WCC Commissioner, who led the Bible study sessions at the assembly

In spite of the challenges presented, the programme work of the CCC , especially in the area of HIV/AIDS, was applauded.

Among the highlights of the Assembly was the opening ceremony, which took place at the Roman Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral, Santa María de la Antigua.

This was preceded by another ceremonial event where the Praesidium and the General Secretary, Gerard Granado, were specially honoured by the Mayor of Panama City, Juan Carlos Navarro.

Cuban Rev Dr Carlos Ham, who now functions in the World Council of Churches, also received an award for his contribution during the period of his service as a president of the CCC.

Archbishop José Dimas Cedeno of Panama City , presided and welcomed the delegates warmly at the opening ceremony. Rev Dr Anderson , preached the sermon.

The Assembly was also treated to a cultural evening, where several aspects of Panamanian culture were on display. The influence of several other Caribbean countries was quite evident in this display.

The Assembly came to a dignified conclusion with the closing ceremony at which newly-elected president, Bishop Reece, preached the sermon.

Throughout the entire assembly the theme song, Arise O Christ! , composed by Bro Paschal Jordan, OSB, provided the inspiration as it was sung lustily by delegates.

President of Trinidad and Tobago 's IRO, Rev Cyril Paul of the Presbyterian Church was also present at the General Assembly.