Pastor: The church has a place in politics
ONE church leader is standing firm by his belief that the church is a political entity and must have an influence on the way politics is done in Barbados.
Delivering a sermon at a service to mark the beginning of the Democratic Labour Party’s (DLP) Annual General Conference yesterday, at the party’s George Street Auditorium, Belleville, St Michael headquarters, Pastor Selwyn Brathwaite of the Kingdom Life Assembly declared that the church will always be involved in politics.
He said while there is an on-going controversy nationally regarding the church’s place in politics, the church is not the property of any political party.
However, Brathwaite said the institution has a political force, and its leader has much more power than any party in Barbados.
Making reference to the Bible, Brathwaite reminded that the Church’s leader, Jesus Christ, conquered death.
“The church of Jesus Christ is an organised political entity that represents a kingdom and that represents a king. Jehovah is about to become very involved in this nation’s politics. Some people have tried to push him out, but he’s coming right back in.
“Whether we like it or not, he is going to find himself right back in. He alone has the title deeds to this country and he has not given the title deeds to any party. He is going to find himself right back in the Parliament. And of course, since we are a people of integrity, we have nothing to hide; and if we do, he can still see it,” he said.
The man of God suggested, “Jehovah is very concerned about politics and politicians”, and has a vested interest in politicians who are in power, including the members of the Opposition.
“He is interested in politicians and politics because God is interested in the people. He must have a vested interest in politics and politicians because they are servants of the people and the people are not their slaves. Jehovah has no favoured party, but he will always show favour to those who are willing to serve under his terms and conditions,” he said.
Brathwaite noted that a politician does not have to necessarily be a Christian, but in order to promote the nation, “the politician must be Godly” and must be honest, loyal, just and has integrity.
“The same pressure that God places on a preacher on a pulpit is the same pressure he places on the politicians in Parliament . . . The people in office must take responsibility for raising and maintaining the national standard of righteousness in this country. . .
“We have to conclude that Barbadians are God’s people and if this nation is going to prosper, all of those in leadership positions should take time to look
at their personal standards because personal standards will have political implications,” he said.
Members of Parliament, their families and other members of the DL attended the service, which lasted for just over an hour, before the party’s leader and Prime Minister of Barbados, Freundel Stuart, delivered a speech.
(AH)
CAPTION: Government Senator Dr David Durant (right) having a conversation with Pastor Selwyn Brathwaite of the Kingdom Life Assembly church, yesterday, at the Democratic Labour Party's Annual General Conference.
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