Protect our children

As Barbados celebrates Mothers’ Day and marks the beginning of Home and Family Week, now is as good a time as any to place more emphasis and effort on protecting our children from harmful influences and guiding them along the right path.

 

This was the message that the Archbishop of the West Indies and the Anglican Bishop of Barbados, the most Reverend and Honourable, Dr. John Holder, delivered to anglican churches across Barbados and to this country’s citizens yesterday during a service at St. Cyprian’s Anglican Church.

 

He said that parents must provide an avenue whereby children can develop wholesome habits, so that they would not be tempted to engage in “unchristian” behaviours.

 

“As we celebrate Home and Family Week, let all of us who are parents or guardians make a special effort to protect the young in our care from the many negative influences and practices that detract from their development. Let us provide them the wholesome alternatives, thus helping them to be strong in the face of the many temptations to engage in unchristian behaviors. Let us, above all, be good examples,” he said.

He added that this is especially important as there are now more and more things that are there to lead children astray such as the vast amount of information and activities that they can get involved with on the internet.

 

“We think of the most vulnerable members of a family, the children. More and more in our country, as in the rest of the world, it is becoming increasingly difficult for many parents to guide their children along a wholesome righteous path. Unfortunately, modern technology has provided them with easy access to a wealth of information, which can be destructive if not properly used and managed.”

 

Dr. Holder added that the elderly population can be of tremendous help here because of their wisdom and life experiences.

 

“We thank God for the elderly persons in our families. They are golden treasures and sources of the type of wisdom and experiences which formed the foundation of our country. Having these virtues passed on to our youth and future generations can work to make our country better and stronger. Let us extend to our seniors the care and support that they fully deserve.”

 

The Archbishop continued saying that it is also an ideal time for persons in society to pray for those vulnerable members of society, as well as those who have become vulnerable as a result of unfortunate circumstances, such as job loss.

 

“At this time we pray for vulnerable families. They may be vulnerable for many reasons. One may be the loss of employment by the bread winner. Whatever may be the cause, let us reach out to assist in any way that we can.