Religion

GOD NOT GUN

Message from The Most Rev Neil Scantlebury

My Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus,

Gun crimes in Barbados are at an all-time high. This beautiful island of ours that we all love so dearly is seeing the ugliness of death due to the bullet becoming almost a weekly occurrence. Most will agree that this level of violent crime is foreign to the Barbadian way of life. So, what has changed? Why are we no longer a peaceful and loving society?

The recent formation of the National Advisory Council on Citizen Security is one of many measures that the government is using to tackle the upsurge in serious crimes. The arm of the Barbados Police Service is being strengthened with collaboration with the Barbados Defense Force and it is hoped that this united front can stem the tide of serious crimes and murders.

I welcome any and all attempts to return our country to a peaceful and loving place.

In grappling with the answer to the question of why has our society change for the worse I am convinced that the breakdown in good family life is at the center of the crime and violence. A good family is indeed vital to building a good society. The family plays a foundational role in shaping individuals who form the fabric of society. It is in the family that our spirituality, morals and ethics are formed. In today’s modern world fewer people are attending church or establishing a sound spiritual foundation. It was in the family circle where children first learn about right and wrong. Parents and caregivers instilled moral values, ethics and a sense of responsibility in children and these are characteristics crucial for the development of a just and compassionate society.

Thou shall not kill. God has given us all the precious gift of life we must be thankful and grateful for all lives, ours and those of others. I want to remind people who find themselves on a slippery slope and a pathway to commit a murder that they are breaking God’s law. I encourage would-be killers to pause reflect and pray. There is always another way. It may not seem like there is another way when all the odds are stacked against you but there is. Reviews in all murder cases prove that forgiveness and reconciliation would have mitigated the situation. My brothers and sisters avoid hasty actions born out of vexation. These actions have tremendous long-term effects.

Go to God not the gun. Before you load up that gun to take a life get a Bible and read it, load up with the word of God. There is always a better tomorrow. Trust in God. There is hope in God. There are many stories -not enough- about persons who have walked away from a life of crime and gangs and became successful individuals with families.

No man is an island, no man stands alone. Those involved in serious crimes and murders must reflect on the hurt and pain that they bring down not only to their victims but also the victim’s family. The person you kill is a son, daughter, sister, mother, brother, father and friend to others, they will forever feel the pain of your actions which took away a loved one forever. Those of you who are shooting and killing please note that your family and loved ones also become suffering victims of your actions. Your actions may result in revenge on you or a lifetime in jail. No parent wants to know their child is locked in prison. No wife or girlfriend would like prison or death to end their loving relationship. No young child wants to be without the loving care of their father.

The repercussions of crime and violence are far reaching and never ending.

My prayers and appeal go out to those trapped in the vortex of crime. I assure you that with God you have the power to turn your life around. You were blessed with life and made for a great purpose, live your life to the fullest and let others do so too with theirs. Go to God not the gun. Load up your heart with the Word of God not a gun with bullets.

Religion

Anglican Diocese of Barbados Assists Two Fishing Families.

When Hurricane Beryl struck last July, its passage dealt a devastating blow to the Barbados fishing industry. Many families lost boats, equipment, and their primary source of income and many are still struggling to recover. Moved by their plight, the Diocese of Barbados resolved to offer spiritual support, as well as financial relief where possible.

Thanks to a generous grant from the Episcopal Relief and Development Fund, the Diocese secured $4,000 USD to aid two particularly hard‑hit fishing families. This funding was equally shared with the families of Mr. Murphy Brathwaite of Bayfield St. Phillip and Mrs. Yvonne Skeete of Skeete’s Bay, St. Philip.

It was acquired through the advocacy of Reverend Clive Thomas, Rector of St. Ambrose Church and Disaster Lead for the Caribbean, on the Anglican Alliance Caribbean Forum, and Mr. Clifton Nedd, Anglican Alliance Caribbean Facilitator. An appeal had been made and presented to the Anglican Alliance.

*Bishop Maxwell presents funds to Murphy Brathwaite*

In presenting the cheques to the families, Bishop of Barbados Michael Maxwell stated “As hurricanes and tropical storms grow more frequent and severe across the Caribbean, the reality of climate change can no longer be ignored. In response, our Anglican Church, guided by the fifth Mark of Mission to ‘strive to safeguard the integrity of creation, and sustain and renew the life of the earth,’ seeks to embrace creation care as an essential part of its mission. We recognize this as our sacred duty while being stewards of God’s creation.”

The families were presented with their cheques recently by Bishop Maxwell. The funds are designated for boat repairs or as temporary income support. “While modest, we pray this assistance will ease their burden and help them regain their livelihoods” added Bishop Maxwell.

He also urged “As the new hurricane season approaches, let us remember the lessons of Hurricane Beryl. May we all, individually and collectively commit to creation care and disaster preparedness. By assessing our risks, strengthening our resilience, and supporting those in need, we can honor our responsibility to protect both our communities, and the earth entrusted to us.” (PR)

Religion

NEW POPE ELECTED

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, an American born in the state of Chicago, is the new Pope. He is the 267th Pope and the first American pontiff in the 2000 year history of the Catholic Church. The new leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics was elected after two days of secret deliberations.

Prevost is a missionary who spent his career ministering in Peru and led the Vatican’s powerful office of bishops.

Prevost, 69 has taken the name Leo X1V.

Religion

REQUIEM MASS FOR POPE FRANCIS

A Requiem Mass for Pope Francis was held yesterday evening at the St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Cathedral. Catholics turned out in large numbers at the Jemmotts Lane location for the Mass celebrating the life of Pope Francis.

The Pope died on Easter Monday at the age of 88.

*Bishop Neil Scantlebuy as he incensed the photo of Pope Francis*

The Roman Catholic Bishop, Neil Scantlebury during the mass incensed a photo of Pope Francis. He was joined by clergy from other churches, Anglican Bishop of Barbados The Rt. Rev. Michael Maxwell, Moravian Rev Cicely-Athill Horsford and Anglican Priest Rev Dr. Michael Lashley