Do not try to create the impression that Barbados is at its worst!
According to Archbishop of the West Indies and Bishop of Barbados, Dr. John Holder, while there are some people crying down the crime, violence and other issues affecting society and go as far as even identifying issues to validate their case, “that is not true”.
“In each era, we have things that we must deal with. In our era it is violence, in previous eras there were several other issues. This does not mean that we don’t need to tackle or address with a matter of urgency what may be going wrong in society.
“We do that, but I am not one to believe that the level of violence we have here or elsewhere would suggest we are living in the worst times.
“For African decedents in this country, there can’t be any worst time than slavery or indentured labour. When we came out of slavery and were tied to the plantation, that was the worst of the worst,” he said.
Nevertheless, while speaking to the media at the recent launch of the Anglican Intentional Ministry Warrens Community, the Archbishop said that though there have always been societal issues to tackle over the years, he also believes that what is happening now should not be ignored.
Recently, the leader of a new political party urged churches to get more involved in aspects of society, particularly, the political landscape.
However, in Bishop Holder’s opinion, the church has always made its presence felt in society, ministering to hundreds over the years.
“We believe, and we hope that after they worship with us in a building, they go out there into their homes, in their businesses, wherever they are, their Christian faith will be reflected.
“I know people always say that in terms of making public statements, but public statements, as I am doing now, is only one area of Christian work and witness. The majority of the work Christians do is during simple day to day encounters where you try to help someone deal with what may be troubling them We need to make some public pronouncements every now and again. But, I am afraid sometimes that people only see the church’s ministry in terms of making public pronouncements,” he said. (AH)