The Tribune

The Anglican Church Men Council (ACM) hosted its 40th Conference in New Providence from April 10 to 14. Men assembled in the All Saints Community Centre from across the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands to develop practical ways to becoming a more effective ministry in the two territories. The ACM started in 1972 and has become a vibrant organisation for men. 
This 40th Conference, held under the theme: “Actioning Christ’s Mandate; Guided by the Light,” called delegates to re-examine the past and move resolutely to chart the way forward, being current and meaningful. The Vision presented for the ACM for 2013 and beyond is mentorship. It is widely agreed that there is dire need for men to aid in the guidance and rearing of youth.

“We must have our ‘acts together’ if positive results are to be garnered. Men are required to be leaders, as ordained by God, in homes, church, places of work and elsewhere. This posture is steadily regaining, we see men more and more recommitting themselves to God and his church. While we are not satisfied with the level of manhood experienced presently, many more are transforming into genuine examples of men.”
G. Kingsley Knowles, Archdeacon of the East/Central Bahamas Archdeaconry opened the conference. During the week presentations were given by Barry Malcolm, Business Outlook in Grand Bahama; Rev’d Dr. Roland Hamilton, Men’s Health and DCP Quinn McCartney on how the ACM could assist troubled youth. Each presenter enthusiastically called the delegates to exercise practical ministry in the body of Christ.

“Today in the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands much has contributed to a move away from what is referred to as the good ole days. The times when family life was strong; relationships more sincere; citizens focused on being contributors to country; children understood their role; leaders were well respected; crime hardly heard of, and the list can go on. A lot of fancy talk and documentaries have been produced to curb this adverse state we now find ourselves in,” said the ACM.

“However, the encouragement was simply to return to those elements that held us together. The reintroduction of meaningful childhood experiences: marbles, spinning tops, roundance, kite-flying, while personally interacting with boys to show them how to be good men. To ensure a dent is placed in the mounting social issues, by teaching boys how to handle the many challenges life sometimes brings,” said the ACM.

The conference ended with a Pontifical Eucharist in Christ Church Cathedral. Bishop Laish Boyd Sr delivered the closing address. Delegates were charged to return to the respective parish communities realising the vision in an effort to transform lives.