There’s No Place Like Home

From June 26 th -30 th , 2023 was the week where all participants in the Conference on Theology in the Caribbean Today (CTCT) biennial conference took a step back from the routines of our busy lives to come together and express ourselves in ways that we only get to do in a place where we feel at home. This “place” isn’t necessarily a geographical space, because we hail from all over the Caribbean, but I’ll share more on that in a bit. Last time, 2021, we had to settle for a virtual coming together, because of the pandemic. That was my first CTCT conference. This time we were able to enjoy Grenada and all it had to offer in all its richness. This was my first in person CTCT conference. As much as Grenadian hospitality is second to none, especially thanks to the magnanimity of Bishop Clyde Harvey, the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother, and the Local Organisation Committee, it wasn’t just physically being in Grenada that made me feel like I was at home. More so, it was because of the deep love, care, and compassion of every individual who participated in the week in some way, shape, or form. It was my first time meeting many of the CTCT members in person, people whom I’ve known for at least 3 years virtually. I got to see how tall they are in person. I got to share hugs with them. I got to hear their stories directly from their own lips instead of through computer speakers. While the week flew by too fast, and there were many competing ideas in a presentation-and-action packed few days, everything and everyone is still very fresh in my mind. While I can’t highlight everything, a few things stand out to me in particular. Things like: the fruitfulness of Grenada; the genuine love for friends both alive and deceased; the grace of Sister Annette Chow, the passion of Msgr Patrick ‘PABA’ Anthony; the trustingness of Dr Adanna James; the brilliance of Dr Gerry Boodoo; the wisdom of Gloria Bertrand; the depth of Dr Rose-Ann Walker; the talent of Bernadette Gopaul-Ramkhalawan, the fearlessness of Stephanie Baldeosingh; the creativity of Mark Howell-Paul; the love of Dr Everard & June Johnston; the imagination of Fr Martin Sirju; the care of Pastor Ingrid Ryan Ruben; the thoughtfulness of Dr Alison Mc Letchie; the steadfastness of the secretariat; etc., I could go on and on honestly. These highlights are by no means exhaustive. Really, it’s just a fraction of the life-giving gifts of the CTCT. This group helps me to appreciate what it means to be made in the image and likeness of God. This was also my first time presenting at an academic conference in person. I didn’t realise until I was about to present, but it’ll now be a lasting joy to remember that my first presentation was to this group who are my friends and my role models. For me, the CTCT embodies a concept deeply rooted in my heart: Ubuntu, often translated as “I am because we are”. To experience this total coming together of all these people helped me to remember that Church is more than what seems to be just pews enclosed by the 4 walls. This family-like gathering made me feel that I was right where I belong. Of course, as all families, we don’t always have everything perfect. We have our fair share of issues to work through as well. However, as a theologian, and as a young person, I had been seriously questioning where I truly belong in the Church. I haven’t felt a proper sense of home and belonging within the Church for a while, but the CTCT embraces those pains of mine and creates a space for me to be free to be who I believe God calls me to be. The CTCT is home for me and all of its members. I thank God for this room among the many in God’s house. I’m looking forward with hope to be able to witness and experience the future of CTCT. Angelo Kurbanali

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There’s No Place Like Home is an episode from VCE Conversations That Count Today by Paul Joy.

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This episode was published on May 11, 2025.

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