PM Suggests National Honour for Antiguan-Born African Orthodox Church Leader George McGuire
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has hailed the late George Alexander McGuire as “a great Antiguan,” suggesting that the pioneering religious leader may be deserving of a posthumous national honour or even elevation to National Hero status.
“George McGuire was a great Antiguan. Perhaps deserving of posthumous honour, or National Hero status,” the Prime Minister stated.
McGuire, born in Sweets, Antigua on March 26, 1866, emerged as a prominent theologian and founder of the African Orthodox Church. His early education took place at local grammar schools and the Antiguan branch of Mico College for teachers, followed by theological training at the Moravian Miskey Seminary in the Danish West Indies.
After pastoring a Moravian congregation in St. Croix, McGuire moved to the United States in 1894, where he became affiliated with the Protestant Episcopal Church. He later served as Archdeacon for Colored Work in Arkansas from 1905 to 1909, significantly expanding black Episcopal missions in the region.
But McGuire’s tenure in the Episcopal Church was marked by racial discrimination, which led him to denounce what he called a “black body with a white head.” Disillusioned by systemic segregation, he broke away and founded the African Orthodox Church—a denomination governed entirely by Black leadership and dedicated to spiritual and racial equality.
“Our vision is to draw a wider circle that will include all people,” McGuire once said, as he called for ecclesiastical independence and empowerment for people of colour.
His legacy continues to resonate across the African diaspora, particularly among faith-based and pan-Africanist communities. Prime Minister Browne’s suggestion may prompt formal discussions around national recognition for McGuire’s contributions to religious autonomy, civil rights, and the global Black empowerment movement.
No formal decision has yet been made regarding the conferral of a national honour.
LISTEN TO THE FULL PODCAST ABOUT HIM ON THE BLACK HISTORY POCAST BELOW:
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Does the PM know who Bishop McGuire was? I’m shocked, but pleasantly surprised. Bishop McGuire is one of our greatest sons; this is long overdue.
George McGuire’s contributions to faith and community shouldn’t be forgotten. A national honor would be well deserved.
I didn’t know much about McGuire before, but after reading this, I think it’s a great idea.
A well-deserved recognition for a man who gave so much. His work with the African Orthodox Church is remarkable.
I hope the government follows through on this — people like him deserve more acknowledgment.
I agree with this completely. McGuire’s contributions to religion and culture are irreplaceable.
It’s about time someone recognized his legacy. Such an influential figure in our history.