The 44-year-old United Theological College of the West Indies (UTCWI) has appointed its first female president. She is the Rev Dr Marjorie Angela Lewis, who takes up the post on August 1, 2010.

Lewis will be responsible for guiding the institution in developing church leaders who are equipped with the requisite knowledge, skills and attitudes to provide relevant ministry to the contemporary Caribbean. She will also spearhead strategies for the continued financial viability and administrative effectiveness of the college.

"I am grateful to God, my colleagues and the denominations that have expressed confidence in me, for the opportunity to serve in this area of God's mission," she said. "I hope to join with other colleagues in motivating the membership and leadership of the Church to embrace the demands and rewards of scholarship and the fulfilment and joy of unity and Christian discipleship," she said.

In congratulating Lewis on her appointment, chairman of the UTCWI board of governors and president of the Jamaica Baptist Union, the Rev Dr Stephen Jennings, said: "Dr Lewis' appointment comes at a time when the institution is seeking to move in a new direction and to re-engage a rapidly changing Caribbean and global context.

Requisite gifts

"We believe that she has the requisite gifts and graces to help lead this process and we, therefore, promise to give her the necessary support and encouragement to carry out her tasks."

Faith Webster, executive director of the Bureau of Women's Affairs, has extended the Bureau of Women's Affairs' heartiest congratulations to Lewis on her appointment. "It is heartening to note that in an institution where women rarely dominate, she was recognised for her sterling contribution over the years with such high esteem. "

Lewis, who has been a lecturer at the UTCWI for the last six years, brings to the position a wealth of experience in the areas of pastoral ministry, ecumenical relations, education and community development. A graduate of the St Andrew High School for Girls, the UTCWI, the University of the West Indies and the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom, she was ordained in 1980 by the Disciples of Christ in Jamaica (now part of the United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands).

She has served as pastor for churches in rural Jamaica, subregional officer for the Caribbean Conference of Churches, project officer for Oxfam UK and general secretary of the Jamaica Council of Churches.

Lewis has taught at secondary and tertiary institutions in Jamaica including the University of Technology and the Shortwood Teachers' College, and also served as a missionary in the UK.

She has published various academic articles and co-authored books on theology. She also has membership in a number of local, regional and international professional organisations.