The Tribune

NEWLY appointed Bahamas Christian Council (BCC) President Bishop Delton Fernander said he hopes that under his leadership the body will have not only a national impact, but a community one as well.

In an inaugural press statement by the BCC, Bishop Fernander said he understands that sometimes traditional borders must be broken down in order to impact people of different backgrounds, cultures and denominations.

He believes that the work of the BCC must be seen and felt in as many lives as possible, and that through love and support, the lives of those who are hurting will be improved.

Married to Calpurnia Fernander, the father-of-two succeeded Dr Ranford Patterson in the position of BCC president following elections on April 25 at the Cousin McPhee Cathedral.

Bishop Fernander, who holds a PhD in Philosophy, is the organiser and current lead pastor of New Destiny Baptist Cathedral in Nassau and the past presiding bishop of Kingdom Building Pastors and People International. He is a preacher, teacher and motivational speaker. Bishop Fernander emphasises a Christ-centered message of deliverance and restoration for every man.

He currently holds the posts of executive secretary of the National Baptist Missionary and Educational Convention; is a board member of the Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation, and also sits on the board of regents for the New Covenant University and District Chaplain of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.

The BCC elected four vice presidents to serve along with Bishop Fernander. They are as follows: first vice president Archdeacon Reverend James Palacious; second vice president Bishop Moses Johnson; third vice president Bishop Gregory Minnis, and fourth vice president Bishop Gloria Ferguson.

For the first time in the Council’s history, four women were elected to the executive team. Namely, Bishop Ferguson as fourth vice president, Pastor Roslyn Astwood as administrative assistant to the president; Dr Beverly Strachan as secretary, and Revered Irene Russell as radio and television coordinator.

Reverend Ronald Campbell was elected to the position of treasurer and Bishop Tony Hanna was named programme coordinator.

Established in 1943,

the BCC main purposes

are to:

• Encourage stronger family relationships to the war veterans

• Promote an understanding and trust between the various churches in the Bahamas

• Witness to the Christian community in the Bahamas

• Provide moral and spiritual leadership for the Christian community

• Partner with all government agencies and non-government organisations in promoting unity and harmony amongst the citizen.

“We celebrate the stellar six years leadership of Dr Ranford Patterson,” the BCC said in its first official statement. “He has worked assiduously to help preserve the moral conscience of the Bahamian society. Dr Patterson personally visited all the Family Islands where the Christian Council had representation; led and executed all official services of government departments in which the Council was requested; provided NEMA with six generators and $28,000 in fire and hurricane relief over his tenure.”