By RICARDO WELLS
Tribune Staff Reporter
rwells@tribunemedia.net
BAHAMAS Christian Council President Bishop Delton Fernander is urging peace in the build up to Wednesday’s general election, saying “God is going to have the final say.’
In a nearly three-minute long video clip posted by the BCC to social media over the weekend, Bishop Fernander encouraged Bahamian voters to “enjoy” themselves throughout the voting process.
He also called for civility and respect for others.
Bishop Fernander, who recently succeeded Dr Ranford Patterson for the organisation’s presidency, insisted throughout the clip that a difference in political allegiance does not disqualify any one person from his or her Bahamian nationality or individuality.
“What does God say in Proverbs 16:33? Make your motions, and casts your votes. But ultimately, the final decisions belongs to the Lord,” stated Bishop Fernander.
He continued: “You are making your motions and we are going into the last days of this campaign season, and really you are ramping things up, but always remember that these things are in God’s hand. And as we cast our vote, God is going to have the final say.
“I believe that it is going to be exciting. I believe that you should enjoy yourself. I believe that it is a good time for us to be Bahamian. We love this stuff. We love to rally (and) celebrate our party.
“But, really respect each other’s individuality. So let’s be kind one to another. Let us remember that we can differ and still be Bahamian.”
Bishop Fernander, current lead pastor of New Destiny Cathedral, said he was of the view that the upcoming election would be “challenging”.
However, he noted that the nature of the country’s democracy has over time, acted as a bedrock to the strength of the Bahamian society.
To that end, Bishop Fernander implored Bahamians to exercise the strength of democracy long exhibited in The Bahamas by “choosing who we want to represent us.”
He said: “You have that power and with that power we should spend time getting to know those who purport to represent us in our constituencies.”
He added: “Know what they want to do for us and how they plan to change the areas in which we live.”
“I know many times we love to just go with the colours or go with the parties, but I believe that there is a change coming in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, and that change we must hold leaders more accountable for what it is that they are doing and how they are doing it; representing the people of The Bahamas.
“You have that responsibility. But also, to be civil in your voting. To know that if I don’t agree with you or you don’t agree with me, does it make me any less Bahamian?
“Does it mean that I love this country any less than you?
“It means that we have differing views, and because we have differing views doesn’t mean that we are not human beings worthy of respect and worthy of understanding.”
Last month, the newly elected president pledged to transform the group into more of a “social justice ecumenical” council, rather than presenting itself to be the “moral police” of society.
Voters in all 39 constituencies will take to the polls tomorrow.
When certified, the voter register stood at just over 181,000.
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