President: Spiritual Baptists will inspire generations

AS TT’S Spiritual (Shouter) Baptist community celebrates its 24th annual Liberation Day, President Paula-Mae Weekes said the religion will continue to thrive, and that its journey will inspire generations.

On March 30, 1951, the 1917 Shouter Prohibition Ordinance was repealed. The ordinance had banned Spiritual Baptists from congregating, building places of worship and practising their beliefs.

The day was declared a public holiday in 1996.

In a release issued on Sunday, the President said, “The abrogation of the ordinance was relevant even beyond the Shouter Baptists, as it dismantled a system of deliberate discrimination.

“While Emancipation had ended the physical subjugation of formerly enslaved Africans, the prejudice associated with fundamentally African customs and rituals had remained. Now, the bell ringing, hand-clapping and foot-stomping which were affronts to colonial sensibilities, are proud expressions of our only indigenous religion.”

She said despite being unable to host its usual celebrations owing to the covid19 pandemic, she is certain the Spiritual Baptist community will still find ways, within the guidelines, to celebrate their “hard-fought recognition and liberation.”

She said they have demonstrated conviction, perseverance and resilience over the years.

“Their fidelity to their ideals never wavered and their religion continued to thrive.

“Their journey of faith is relevant more now than ever and will inspire and embolden generations to come. I join with the nation in extending best wishes to the Spiritual Baptist community for a safe, happy and healthy Spiritual Baptist Liberation Day."