Baptists urged to reflect

In lieu of the cancellation of large-scale Spiritual Baptist Liberation Day celebrations on Monday owing to covid19 restrictions, Baptists are being encouraged to use the time to reflect.Put succinctly, Rev Mother Cheryl Broomes of the National Congress of Incorporated Baptist Organisation of TT said, "Everything cancelled."

But she encouraged members to meditate on where they came from and where they were going.

Broomes recalled when followers of the religion had to hide to worship and were arrested if they were caught. She said the same law was now advising them not to gather to worship and, it should be limited to ten people if they had to“In the past, that was done against us. Now it is being done for our good.”She also said to keep in mind the Lord’s words in Matt 18: 20, that where two or three were gathered in God’s name, he would be in their midst.

“On our Liberation Day, Spiritual Baptists wish each other, fellow Trinbagonians and the rest of the world at large our Lord’s compassion. And remember the three watchwords of faith, hope and charity.”

Many Baptist organisations said they would comply with the suggestions from the Ministry of Health regarding covid19 which include no large gatherings, and social distancing. Queen Mother Hilary Nedd of the Spiritual Baptist Faith Inc said a service would be held on Sunday at the Mt Zion House of Prayer in Preysal. She said the service would be in keeping with the ministry’s guidelines with no more than ten people, spaced out throughout the church. The service would also be streamed on Facebook, but other details were yet to be confirmed. Archbishop Barbara Gray-Burke of The Council of Elders Spiritual Baptist told Newsday her organisation was considering having a few members appear on one of the local television programmes to create awareness.

Also an option, is recording a programme for TV stations to air on the day. Either way, Gray-Burke said there would be no gatherings. “God knows best. There are things we can do later on after this crisis has passed. I am quite satisfied with the steps the government is taking.

It’s better than a whole set of people getting sick.”Through his communications officer, Archbishop of the National Evangelical Spiritual Baptist Faith Archdiocese, Glenroy Anthony Jack, said, “We respect the call from the Prime Minister, and in obedience to all the requests to stay at home, social distancing and no congregating, people are asked to pray in their own homes.”