Kingstown St. Vincent May 22,2026-Opposition Leader Dr Ralph Gonsalves has proposed the creation of a Caribbean Spiritual Baptist School of Theology, saying the institution could help preserve and strengthen the unique traditions of the Spiritual Baptist faith across the region.
Speaking at National Spiritual Baptist Freedom Day celebrations at Independence Park on Thursday May 21st 2026, Dr Gonsalves told worshippers that the faith must remain united and organised as it moves into the future.
He suggested that part of that effort should include establishing a regional theological institution with branches across different Caribbean islands.
“I want to suggest to the leadership that you establish a Caribbean Spiritual Baptist School of Theology,” he said. “We have enough trained theologians in the Spiritual Baptist faith.”
According to Dr Gonsalves, the proposed school would help preserve aspects of the religion he described as “special” and distinct within Caribbean Christianity, while continuing to promote what he called the centrality of the Christian faith.
Throughout his address, the Opposition Leader described the Spiritual Baptist religion as a uniquely Caribbean expression of Christianity, rooted in the teachings of the Old and New Testaments and influenced by African traditions and Caribbean civilisation.
He also warned against attempts to reshape the religion into other Christian denominations.
“Some want it to be Catholic. Some want it to be Anglican and Methodist. Some want it to be Presbyterian and Evangelical and Pentecostal,” he said. “But spiritual Baptist is different and special.”
Dr Gonsalves linked the proposal for a theology school to a wider call for unity within the Spiritual Baptist community, urging leaders to “build bridges” where divisions exist.
He said the history of the faith demonstrated the importance of resilience and continuity, using the metaphor of roots and branches to describe survival through struggle.
“God, for his own purpose, may cut off some branches, but it leaves the root,” he said. “And it is the root which is left there, out of which new branches will follow.”
The Opposition Leader also reflected on the historical journey of the Spiritual Baptist movement in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, describing the holiday as a celebration of religious freedom and the struggle for recognition.
He praised the role of women in sustaining the faith during periods of hardship and recognised both past and present leaders of the Spiritual Baptist community.
Dr Gonsalves ended his address by encouraging worshippers to remain grounded in unity, faith and solidarity despite future challenges.
“Once the root remains, there will be redemption,” he told the gathering.