International Caribbean Congress Unites and Guides Evangelicals

A four day Congress of Evangelicals in the Caribbean 2005 (CONCECAR) has brought about the announcement that the Evangelical Association of the Caribbean have re-elected Rev Ken Ragoonath, from Trinidad to remain as its president for another four-year period.

The seventh ever CONCECAR was opened by Governor General of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, Dame Ivy Dumonth. She said, "By assembling to discuss critical matters affecting the Caribbean Christian community, CONECAR furthers the development of its leaders, strengthens their fellowship, and redirects their ministry energies to greater achievement."

The Prime Minister of the Bahamas, Perry G. Christie said, "It has been said that faith is insufficient without good works. The needs of the everyday world are real and pressing and it is good to see that CONECAR has made it its focus to address everyday social issues among our people."

During one of the sessions, Rev Philip Drayton from Barbados promoted for the attendants to become the true salt of society. He pointed out that salt is rumoured to have 14,000 uses, and said, "Are we truly impacting our society? Are our ministries really making a difference?"

Hot topics at the gathering will include Church and sexuality, response to sexually transmitted infections, and utilising prayer as a strategy for permanent societal change.

CONCECAR originated in Jamaica in 1984, and has travelled around to be hosted by Trinidad, the Dominican Republic, Guyana, Puerto Rico and Barbados.

The international congress has historically helped and guided hundreds of pastors, and many Caribbean evangelical leaders have reported that their ministries have changed greatly after their attendance at a CONECAR gathering over the past 21 years.