Over the past few years, Haiti has faced substantial political, economic, and humanitarian crises, as well as crises within the Episcopal diocese. The past few days have brought this into sharp relief, with violence, instability, and food insecurity escalating.
What is happening with political leadership?
Haiti has been in a governance crisis for several years, accelerated by the assassination of former President Jovenel Moïse in 2021. The international community, including the United States, recognized Ariel Henry as prime minister following the assassination, though he had limited domestic support and legitimacy. Unable and unwilling to hold elections, he has remained in power for nearly three years, and on February 7, 2024, he failed to follow through on yet another commitment to leave office. At present, there is no functioning parliament.
Earlier this month, Henry was unable to return to Port-au-Prince following a trip to Kenya when gangs surrounded major airports and commercial flights were cancelled; he has remained outside of Haiti since then. This week, during a Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM) meeting, Henry announced that he will resign once a presidential transition council is established.
What is insecurity like in Haiti now?
The political instability and unchecked power of gangs, fueled in part by connections to political elites, have exacerbated the devastating security situation, which in turn has meant that many Haitians face high levels of food insecurity, decreasing access to already limited resources in education, health care, and employment, as well as the threat of kidnapping and other violence. Meanwhile, gang leaders remain emboldened by the chaotic environment and increased imports of arms and ammunition primarily originating from the U.S. Gangs have taken over the majority of Haiti’s largest city, Port-au-Prince, and they have increasing leverage over the population, growing more desperate for any source of survival. Additionally, the Haitian National Police, also subject to violent attacks from the gangs, are unable to address security concerns for the general population.
What is the current state of the Diocese of Haiti?
Since the resignation of Bishop Duracin in 2017, the diocese has not been led by a bishop, and per Episcopal Church canons, ecclesiastical authority rests with the standing committee. However, over the past several years, internal dynamics have resulted in different standing committees each claiming legitimacy. Efforts through the Office of Pastoral Development continue toward a legitimate election of a bishop diocesan and resolution of the leadership struggles between the two competing standing committees. Over the past several years, there have been allegations of arms trafficking and corruption, including against some members of the diocese.
What can you do?
First and foremost, we call on all Episcopalians throughout the Church to pray for the Diocese of Haiti and for Haitians everywhere.
- Pray for peace and stability in the diocese, that a way forward may be found towards clear and healthy leadership.
- Pray for peace and stability in the country, that there may be a peaceful resolution to the governance crisis.
- Pray for all the institutions and civil society organizations of Haiti, that continue to provide essential support to the population such as schools, medical facilities, and programs that support the vulnerable.
- Pray that the international community, in particular the United States and United Nations entities, which all too often have obstructed Haitian leadership and initiatives, may offer support in a way that empowers Haitians and seriously supports democratic norms and those interested in fostering them.
How else can you show your support?
You can learn more about the ways The Episcopal Church is involved in Haiti.
- In terms of advocacy, the Episcopal Church’s Office of Government Relations, based in Washington, DC, remains committed to raising Haitians’ voices with Congress and the State Department and advocates for humanitarian support, Haitian-led political solutions, and democratic principles. You can take action through this Action Alert on Haiti.
- In terms of financial support, Episcopal Relief & Development works through a network of church, community, and civil society partners for livelihood, financial inclusion, and health care programming, as well as providing cash for food. In all their efforts, Episcopal Relief & Development remains vigilant and sensitive to challenges their partners face in providing humanitarian support. You can find out more and donate here.
- We encourage Episcopalians, both within Haiti and their partners in the U.S., to remain committed to the ministries they are already supporting through their relationships with the Church in Haiti. This work matters now more than ever.
