7 News Belize

Churches Says "Keep Holy The Sabbath”
posted (September 4, 2017)
This year, September 10th falls on a Sunday - and Government has decided that it will be observed on that same day - with Monday the 11th being set aside as a holiday.

And, tonight, the Belize Council of Churches has made it known that it isn't happy about it. A release from the council, laments, quote, "While this is the date of one of our national holidays, it is primarily and foremost a Sunday, the Lord's Day - the day of the week set aside for the majority of Christians in Belize to be in worship in their respective congregations." End quote.

It goes on to say, quote, "the Council remains appalled by the fact that, despite its effort to have the parade held on a day other than Sunday, the organizers this year did not see it fit to uphold a long-held tradition and understanding between Church and State, that secular celebrations that fall on a Sunday will be observed on the Monday. This is why we have Monday holidays if the secular celebration falls on a Sunday." End quote. It continues, quote, "the Belize Council of Churches feels that holding a secular parade on a Sunday undermines our belief as a God-fearing nation and the continued mission of the Church to assist in the nation's efforts to combat those very ills we often decry. It also undermines the need to keep Sunday worship as an integral part of our religious tradition and heritage."

So, what should you do if you are torn between obligations to the church and that patriotic spirit, or, jump-up fever?

Well, the churches say you have to choose. Here's how they put it; quote, "the Belize Council of Churches is calling upon the nation on September 10 to place our worship of God above the parade by attending worship services in your respective congregations."

The release says that the Council has received assurances from the government that it wont happen again.

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