The Rt Revd Philip Wright, Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Belize, has been elected Archbishop of the Church in the Province of the West Indies at the 42nd Triennial Provincial Synod held in Nassau. Succeeding Archbishop Howard Gregory, who retired December 31 2024, Bishop Philip’s election marks a historic moment for Belize and the wider Caribbean Anglican community, as he becomes the second bishop from Belize, formerly British Honduras, to be elevated to this office.

Reflecting on his election, Bishop Philip said: ‘It is quite an overwhelming moment. When I started my journey into ministry, I would never have imagined a day like this would come. It gives me great joy to serve the Church I love and have devoted the majority of my life to, and to continue to be part of moving the mission and ministry of the Church forward.’

Bishop Philip has served in his current role since his consecration in November 2005, providing leadership to the diocese and representing Belize with grace and insight at regional and international gatherings of the Anglican Communion. His election reflects both his deep pastoral experience and the growing recognition of Belize’s contribution to the life and mission of the Church across the Caribbean.

Born in Belize City in 1967, Bishop Wright was educated locally before training for the priesthood at Codrington College in Barbados and the University of the West Indies. He later gained a master’s degree in theology from the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom. He was ordained deacon in 1992 and priest in 1993, serving in parish, teaching and administrative ministries before his episcopal election.

In addition to his diocesan responsibilities, Bishop Wright serves as one of the Presidents of the World Council of Churches, representing the Caribbean and Latin America. Within Belize, he has held appointments on national commissions concerned with good governance, family and child welfare, and education.

This milestone is a source of pride for the Anglican community in Belize and for the nation as a whole. It signals renewed visibility and influence for Belize within the Province of the West Indies and underscores the continued vitality of the local Church.

Anglicans across the Caribbean have offered prayers of thanksgiving and support for Bishop Philip as he prepares to assume his new responsibilities.

Watch Bishop Philip's first media engagement following his election, speaking from the Bahamas.

Read the annoucenment of Bishop Philip's election on Facebook