Structure

Structure & Membership of the United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands

Congregations
Members, adherents (persons who attend church there but have not officially become “members”) and persons who have been dedicated to God by infant baptism or blessing in that congregation, are all under the pastoral care of the Church and are collectively referred to as the congregation. Each congregation is under the leadership of an ordained Minister, assisted by Elders chosen from the membership, collectively termed the Congregational Board, and of which the Minister is the Chairperson. Depending on size, more than one congregation may be linked together as a "charge."

"Members" of a Congregation are persons who have been received into full communion in that Congregation by profession of faith in Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord through Baptism/Confirmation; or transfer of membership from another congregation/church (or by re-affirmation of faith in the absence of a certificate/letter of transfer); or on restoration. Only members in full communion and good standing have a right to take part in the business of Congregational Meetings. Members have certain constitutional responsibilities and duties in relation to the Church, its doctrines and discipline. Please contact the minister of your congregation if you wish to become a communicant member.

Regional Mission Councils
These are geographical groupings of congregations, to facilitate the administration and decision making of the Church. The congregations in Cayman comprise one of 4 Councils of our Church. Each congregation is represented in its Council by elected delegates (2 for the first 300 members and 1 for each additional 100 or part thereof).

The Synod
This is the supreme court of the Church, consisting of all members of the Regional Mission Councils. Synod convenes every two years. In the interim, the administrative business of the Church is delegated to the Central Mission Council of the Synod, assisted by various other standing committees. The Synod is presided over by an elected Moderator. The General Secretary is the chief administrative officer of the Church, who supervises and monitors its programmes, through both the Regional Mission Councils and the Synod Committees, and the administrative staff. The General Secretary is currently assisted by Four Regional Deputy General Secretaries, one of whom has particular responsibilities for the Church’s operations in the Cayman Islands and is located at the Cayman Islands Council Office.