The Tribune

By Lindsay Thompson

Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said that in order for the least fortunate among the people to benefit, there must be a continued partnership between the church and state.

He was addressing the Bahamas Baptist Missionary and Educational Convention's 83rd Annual Session, held under the theme: "Counting The Cost", taken from Matthew 16:24.

In attendance were Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling and other officials who assembled among the congregation in the William Thompson Auditorium on Tuesday evening.

In congratulating the Baptist community on its stability, Dr Minnis said that the denomination has been a witness to the message of Jesus Christ throughout its history

He also acknowledged the positive impact the Baptist Convention, through its various ministries, has had on the lives of thousands of Bahamians over the years.

"You have also served through servant leadership and social outreach," he said. "And you know well the fundamental role of the church in the protection and respect for the dignity of the human person made in the image and likeness of God."

According to the Prime Minister, the Baptist community has taken to heart the instruction from Matthew 25 verses 35-36: "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me."

The Baptist community, he said, has a legacy of promoting the common good and social justice.

"The promotion of the common good and social justice requires a sustained partnership between church and state. We must work together, and work unceasingly, to address the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable in our land.

"The greatest privilege of serving as Head of Government is the opportunity to improve the lives of my fellow-Bahamians. It is a special privilege to work daily to provide our children and young people with opportunities to dream and to realise their dreams," he said.

Dr Minnis said since coming to office in May 2017 he has a new vantage point to see, more in-depth, the challenges and problems as well as possibilities for the country.

However, the work of good governance requires tough and difficult choices, he noted.

The Prime Minister also said that he is guided by a quote from the late Dr Martin Luther King, Jr, who said: "On some positions, cowardice asks the question, 'Is it safe?' Expediency asks the question, 'Is it political?' And vanity comes along and asks the question, 'Is it popular?' But conscience asks the question 'Is it right?'

He continued: "And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor political, nor popular, but he must do it because conscience tells him it is right."

In order to restore our country and move it in the right direction, some tough choices have been made; and there are more tough choices ahead, he said. "But in the end we will be a more productive, healthier and more vibrant country because the hard decisions were made."