The first form of the Anglican Young People’s Association (A.Y.P.A) appeared in British Columbia, Canada in 1902. It was pioneered by Father Alfred Brown who wanted to help Anglican youth to understand and respond to the church’s call as it relates to their ministry. It was established under the motto: “For Christ and the Church”.
It operates under four fundamental principles by which every A.Y.P.A member should be guided in his everyday life:
Worship: This seeks to enhance the spiritual well-being of an Anglican young person as he proceeds to live his life according to God’s will. Young people are thus required to have a belief and understanding in their faith which is gained through spiritual enlightenment.
Work: Under this principle, youth are called to lend themselves to physical tasks that do God’s Work. Through active participation in spiritually uplifting activities they become an extension of God’s word to others. As a result of this, all over the world, Anglican youth take part in various community activities that serve others who wish to experience God in the same way we do.
Fellowship: With this principle, persons are encouraged to interact with each other not only within their own parish but with other branches, islands and the wider Anglican Community. For us, spirituality does not exist in a vacuum and it is therefore important to share this phenomenon with others of similar interests as it provides comfort and encouragement to continue in the service of God.
Edification: Faith in God is important; however persons are expected to have knowledge of Christian concepts, beliefs and principles. Familiarity with the Bible and knowledge of the teachings of Christ are requisites for Anglican youth all across the globe.
Since its inception in the early 1900s, associations have been established in Anglican Dioceses all over the world. The same has been done in our little part of the world when it was brought to St. Kitts, in the Diocese of The North Eastern Caribbean and Aruba (NECA) in 1948 by Father Richard Cannin.
First established in the parish of St. George’s, The St. Kitts A.Y.P.A, sought to connect Anglican youth of the island with their international counterparts. Very soon, they were able to take part in similar activities, learn common ideologies and follow the same principles as Anglican youth all over the world. As such, the AYPA has served as one of the largest networking agents for young persons within the Anglican realm world wide.
In addition to spiritual instruction, one is also exposed to valuable lessons in community involvement and social advocacy. Persons can find a high level of professionalism in its organizational structure whereby the decision-making bodies within the association are ranked from regional to local levels. Persons are given the opportunity to hold executive positions at each of these levels and enhance their diplomatic skills. This cannot be denied as we look at the numerous prominent members of society who held executive positions in the association during their youth: Hon. Cedric Liburd, Hon. Carlile Powell, Hon. Livingston Herbert, Pastor Clement Duport, Mr. Cuthbert Woods, Mr. Calvin Cable and the list goes on.
Some of these persons have gone on to hold positions in decision making bodies throughout the federation, others owning businesses; all receiving some of their first professional training within the AYPA. What more is needed to prove its value and worth to society?
Young persons look forward to the various social activities such as picnics, barbecues, concerts, dinners and even movie nights. It is this appreciation for youth interests that has made the AYPA the most popular choice of youth organization among the Anglican youth population.
Congratulations to the Anglican Young People’s Association in the Diocese of NECA as it celebrates 60 years of serving Anglican Youth, brining them closer to God as well as each other.
