Arthur C. Dayfoot

The Shaping of the West Indian Church 1492-1962 Arthur C. Dayfoot

"The Shaping of the West Indian Church" deals in depth with the question: How did Christianity reach the form that it has in the English-speaking Caribbean?

The story traces the development of the churches from the monopolistic state-church of the Spanish empire (including Jamaica and Trinidad) through the arrival of Protestant colonies with their 'planters' church' and missions to the African slaves before Emancipation and the freed people afterward. Increasing diversification by immigration from India and elsewhere and the coming of new denominations from North America produced an advanced religious pluralism by the time of Independence.

The development of all denominations over 470 years is described against the background of social and cultural as well as ecclesiastical influences, and with attention to leading personalities in an inspiring story.