There are lots of ways to celebrate a 40th anniversary.

The Anglican Church of Bermuda is choosing to do it in a way that brings more souls to God.

The church will host an open air service at the Arboretum tomorrow at 4pm. On offer is entertainment, fun and fellowship and a special message encouraging people to break down their barriers and be filled with God’s spirit of love and unity.

Bishop Nicholas Dill shared with The Royal Gazette why the event holds such a special meaning.

Q: What would you say is the significance of this 40th anniversary of the Anglican Church of Bermuda?

A: On the Sea Venture, in 1609 there was a minister from the Church of England, Rev Richard Bucke. Since that time the Church of England has always had an active presence in Bermuda. Prior to 1975, the Church of England in Bermuda was the established state church, overseen by the Government through legislation. The changes to the law with the formation of the Anglican Church of Bermuda allowed the church to be self-governing, allowing it to take on its own character relevant to its place in these Islands. It was disestablished, and thereby put on an equal footing with other Christian denominations in the Island — opening the door for the possibility of greater unity and working together. The change of name is significant as it became a church “of Bermuda” — in other words, opened the door for greater Bermudianisation for the leadership down. The term “Anglican” recognised that the church is part of a worldwide family of over 68 million members.

Q: What do you consider to be some of the biggest milestones/accomplishments of the church during that time?

A: At the time of the Church of England in Bermuda Act 1975, there were eight Bermudian clergy serving overseas — but through the changes it saw some of them returning to their Island home to serve. Canon Thomas Nisbett was already here as the first black Anglican clergyman, but he was soon joined by the Revd Dr Arnold Hollis in 1977, former Bishop Ewen Ratteray in 1980 (later to become the first Bermudian Bishop) and Canon James Francis in 1985 as the first black Anglican Canon to the Cathedral. Since then the church has been able to appoint Bermudians as Bishop — The Rt Revd Ewen Ratteray in 1996, The Rt Revd Dr Patrick White in 2009 and The Rt Revd Nick Dill in 2013. Alongside this has been a proliferation of other roles and ministries in the church for the benefit of society at large.

Q: How will the church be celebrating?

A: This Sunday, May 24th, there will be an Island-wide open air event in the Arboretum for the whole church family. There will be various groups performing from about 3.15pm onwards, including the performance of a “Mini-Mosaic” on the last 40 years of Anglican history performed by Ruth Thomas and friends. There will be various activities for children and a party atmosphere culminating in a service for all ages at 4pm. Various individuals have also written about what the Anglican church means to them.

Q: Why do you want people to come out and celebrate?

A: This is a family time to celebrate our heritage. Part of our heritage is as the body of Christ, as brothers and sisters of all races, ages and backgrounds united under the banner of Jesus Christ. It is also the Feast of Pentecost, when we remember the coming of the Holy Spirit upon those first believers. That was when the church took wings and went out into the world with a message of love and unity and at that time through their service, message and witness they changed the world! We are inheritors of that legacy. Much of the things that we now take for granted which have given us strength and stability as a community stem from our faith.

Q: Can you share any insights into what the message will be at the special service? What do you hope people would take from it?

A: Apart from celebration, the theme of this event is one of unity. The strap line is “One Spirit, One Church, One Diocese”. We will be encouraged to break down the barriers that exist between us, to be filled once more with God’s spirit of love and unity and with humility, gentleness, patience, forbearance and love, to work together to bring the love, unity and peace that Jesus brings into our communities.