In this final episode of our Voices from the Anglican Communion series, Dr. Kwok Pui Lan engages with the Rev. Natalie Blake, a tutor and warden of Anglican students at the United Theological College of the West Indies. Rev. Blake offers a comprehensive look into the Anglican Diocese of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, celebrating its 200th anniversary, detailing its structure, clergy (including 28 female priests out of a total of 107), and its place within the wider church in the Province of the West Indies.

The conversation delves into the unique ecumenical theological education at the United Theological College, where students from six denominations live and study together, fostering interdenominational unity. Rev. Blake candidly discusses the challenges women in ministry face in the diocese, particularly the expectation to "prove themselves" in a way their male counterparts are not.

As a member of both the Commission for Theological Education in the Anglican Communion (CTAC) and the International Anglican-Pentecostal Commission (IPAC), she highlights the importance of shared resources, theological dialogue, and discovering commonalities across diverse Anglican and Christian traditions. Finally, Rev. Blake addresses the critical issue of climate change in the Caribbean, emphasizing how the region's "small island developing states" are already experiencing rising sea levels and altered weather patterns. She shares how Jamaican churches are actively responding through tree planting initiatives, advocating for sustainable resource management, and encouraging individual and collective mindfulness of global environmental impact.

Interested in learning more about how to live postcolonial Anglicanism? Consider joining EDS this fall for an online course taught by Dr. Kwok and the Rt. Rev. Ian T. Douglas, PhD: Living Postcolonial Anglicanism: Pastoral Perspectives from the Global Church.

Credits:

Music Credit: Documentary Music by ColorFilmMusic

Podcast produced by Polymnia

Dr. Paulo Ueti from Brazil is the theological advisor and regional manager of the United Society Partners in the Gospel (USPG). He introduces the history and mission of the Episcopal and Anglican churches in Latin America and the Caribbean. The churches were founded by British Anglican missions and the Episcopal Church. They are multiracial, multicultural, and multilingual, speaking Spanish, English, Portuguese, and French. Most congregations are small, yet they play significant roles in civil society. The Anglican Episcopal Church of Brazil has three female bishops out of nine. Archbishop Marinez Rosa dos Santos Bassotto is the Primate of the Church and is the first woman to lead an Anglican province in Latin America. She is the only female Primate in the Anglican Communion. Dr. Ueti collaborates with his colleague, Dr. Peniel Rajkumer, on the Fellowship of Anglican Scholars in Theology project, which provides support for new theologians. He strengthens partnerships in the region by providing resources and support, enabling churches to better carry out their mission and learn from one another. In July 2025, the Commission for Theological Education in the Anglican Communion organized a meeting for theological educators in the Americas held in Brasilia, Brazil, to discuss the future of theological education. Dr. Ueti emphasizes the need for decolonial and contextual theology and pedagogy. He also highlights how the Brazilian Book of Common Prayer, revised in 2015, attempted to contextualize liturgy in the Brazilian Church. He hopes that member churches in the Anglican Communion can foster relationships and mutual learning despite theological, cultural, and linguistic differences.

Credits:

Music Credit: Documentary Music by ColorFilmMusic

Podcast produced by Polymnia

In this episode, Dr. Kwok Pui Lan converses with the Rev. Mark Nam, a third-generation British-born Chinese and Vicar of St. John's, Woodley, in the Diocese of Oxford. Rev. Nam offers a unique perspective on being a racial minority leader in a predominantly white institution, sharing his personal journey from law to ministry and his call to serve as a British Chinese priest in the Church of England.

The discussion explores the historical context of racial minorities in the church in the U.K., from the Windrush generation to the recent influx of 300,000 Hong Kongers. Rev. Nam critically assesses the Church of England's efforts to welcome immigrants and address systemic racism, referencing the "From Lament to Action" report and the establishment of a Racial Justice Commission.

A highlight of the conversation is the story of The TeaHouse, an initiative founded by Rev. Nam to raise the profile of Chinese-heritage clergy in the Church of England. He recounts how this network began with just nine individuals and has grown to visibly represent Chinese-heritage clergy, challenging normative perceptions and fostering an embracing environment for future generations. Rev. Nam also shares the deeply personal significance of his recent National Diversity Award nomination at Liverpool Cathedral, which ties back to his grandparents' migration story and the reclamation of his true Chinese surname at his ordination. He concludes with his hopes for the Anglican Communion, advocating for the emergence of the East Asian theological voice and a deeper, more inclusive fellowship.

This is the fifth episode of Episcopal Divinity School’s (EDS) series hosted by Distinguished Scholar, Dr. Kwok Pui Lan: Voices from the Anglican Communion. Interested in learning more about how to live postcolonial Anglicanism? Consider joining EDS this fall for an online course taught by Dr. Kwok and the Rt. Rev. Ian T. Douglas, PhD: Living Postcolonial Anglicanism: Pastoral Perspectives from the Global Church.

Credits:

Music Credit: Documentary Music by ColorFilmMusic

Podcast produced by Polymnia