The Dioceses of Alabama and the Virgin Islands have agreed to renew their Companion Relationship until January 2022.  Alabama's decision was formally made at its 188th Diocesan Convention, which took place at Camp McDowell from February 8th to 10th. The resolution noted that since the relationship began three years ago, it "has grown, as envisioned, engaging multiple levels of relationship with clergy development, youth engagement, and spiritual deepening" and that "parish to parish relationships have begun".

In 2015 several youth from the Virgin Islands travelled to Camp McDowell for Senior Camp and this was followed by a Co-Diocesan Camp on the island of Tortola the following year.  Last year, one youth from the Virgin Islands served at Sawyerville Camp in Alabama, a four-session, month-long experience for underprivileged youth. Plans are underway for several youth to attend Camp McDowell this year, and it is hoped that the Virgin Islands will be able to host an event next year. 

In response to the devastation to the Virgin Islands caused by hurricanes Irma ad Maria, congregations from the Diocese of Alabama have assisted with physical rebuilding through volunteer teams as well as by providing clergy support to give much-needed respite to VI clergy. The diocese has also partnered with Episcopal Relief and Development to provide financial support for long-term recovery, particularly through a mini-grant program which seeks to work with congregations to transform the communities they serve. 

Passage of the resolution was preceded by a hearing at which the Bishop of the Virgin Islands, Bishop Ambrose Gumbs, and a member of the Companion Relationship Committee, Rev. Sandra Walters Malone, spoke about their experience of the relationship. The gathering also heard from Past Chair of the Alabama Committee, Deacon Judy Quick, and her successor, Deacon Jeannie Randall. Deacon Randall and Director of Young Adults and Young People, Ms. Betsy Fetner, paid a visit to the Virgin Islands in January to meet with stakeholders.

Members of the clergy from the Dioceses of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands came together in San Juan in mid January for a Wellness Conference hosted by Church Pension Group.  The day and a half event provided a forum for clergy to discuss 'Resilience in the Face of Disaster' as they looked at their own self-care in the aftermath of hurricanes Irma and Maria, and to examine 'Techniques and Tactics for Developing Resilience' and 'Strategies for Coping with Uncertainty'. They also had the opportunity to explore resources available through CPG.

To close the conference, the two diocesan bishops, The Rt. Rev.  Rafael Morales and The Rt. Rev. E. Ambrose Gumbs co-celebrated the Eucharist in Spanish and English. Both promised to explore ways for their dioceses to build relationship and to work more closely together.

Blessed to be a blessing. That was the sentiment expressed on February 3rd as St. Paul's Church, Sea Cow's Bay, in the Virgin Islands diocese took the opportunity to honor two persons who were instrumental in its recovery in the immediate aftermath of hurricanes Irma and Maria and to make financial contributions to two entities that serve the community. The honorees were Pastor Elroy Liburd and Mr. Leslie Smith. Pastor Liburd, an electrician by profession, donated his services to rewire the church and parish hall and to install lighting fixtures and fans after damage caused by the hurricanes. Mr. Smith, a carpenter, replaced the sections of the church roof and the windows and doors blown off by the hurricanes, and also painted the interior of the building so that it was again fit for worship. The presentations were made by Bishop Ambrose Gumbs as he celebrated at a special service to mark the congregation's patronal festival. 

Bishop Gumbs also presented cheques to Ms. Judith Charles of the Family Support Network (FSN) and to Mrs. Ritsia Turnbull-Smith of the Adina Donovan Home for the Elderly. St. Paul's makes the donations annually to FSN to assist it in its work of providing support primarily for victims of abuse and to the Home for the Elderly which provides residential care for seniors.