Religious Affairs Ministry Hosts Retreat to Deepen Church-State Collaboration

The Ministry of Religious Affairs is continuing its engagement with Belize’s faith community, hosting a retreat this week with representatives from the Belize Council of Churches and the Evangelical Association of Churches.  The gathering follows two prior meetings between the parties, during which it was agreed that more time and structured dialogue would be needed to strengthen collaboration and build more effective partnerships between church bodies and the State.  Minister of Religious Affairs, Dr. Louis Zabaneh, says the retreat provided an opportunity to openly discuss key concerns affecting the religious landscape in Belize.

Dr. Louis Zabaneh, Minister of Transport: “I think what concerns us from the government side is that the proliferation of churches across the country where many churches are popping up and then receiving certain benefits from being a church and being able to solicit assistance from abroad for example and then that assistance does not reach, not all cases but in some cases it’s it’s been something serious. So we have to be advised by the community on how we can work with that to ensure that the very thing that they’re trying to do right of assisting persons who are in need etc. does not get undermined by certain persons who try to abuse the system.”

Among the issues raised was the growing phenomenon of so-called “pop-up churches,” which officials say are sometimes soliciting financial assistance from abroad without clear evidence that those donations are benefiting local congregations or communities.  Participants also explored broader matters of accountability, cooperation, and the role of faith-based organizations in national development.  Bishop Philip Wright of the Anglican Church says the discussions also focused on defining a healthy and respectful relationship between church and state.

Bishop Philip Wright, Archbishop of the West Indies,  Bishop of Belize: “The Church’s role in society has never been to replace the state, nor to compete with it, but to help form conscience, uphold human dignity, and speak truth rooted in love. The state in turn bears the solemn responsibility of ensuring justice, peace, and the common good for all, especially the most vulnerable, the weak, the marginalized, and the disenfranchised. True partnership between church and state flourishes where there is mutual respect, open dialogue, and a shared commitment to the dignity of every person. Such a partnership does not blur boundaries, but honors distinct roles while working toward the shared goals of peace, justice, moral formation, and social stability.”

Meanwhile, Father Scott Giulliani of Divine Mercy Church emphasized the importance of continued dialogue between religious leaders and government, noting that cooperation can produce benefits that extend beyond the faith community.

Father Scott Giuliani: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the church-state partnership to become flesh. We’re listening, we’re dialoguing, these are complex issues. And a strong church-state partnership is a strong Belize. And I think we firmly agree that the principles that allow us to work together as a church and state are the same principles that allow us to have a healthy democracy. And so drawing from the culture and history of Belize we try or we want to grab hold these treasures and apply them, apply them to this generation today. Well we don’t always think of the foundation of things when you’re living things. Let me use an example if I can that when the new bridge went up and they put those piles in the river and it’s amazing what they were doing. Now that the new highway is built you’re not thinking about those piles much you’re living your life and most of us are just trying to feed our kids and through the day, and not thinking about what’s holding us up. And well we have to take the time to look at what’s holding us up in this country, even the Constitution is built on principles, right, that acknowledge the supremacy of God. And so this is a foundation of peace, justice, the dignity of the human person, the solidarity, the common good. These foundations are very important. It’s not, it needs dialogue to make sure we understand what we’re saying and what’s being said. And so I think we’re succeeding at that though. I think there’s a lot, I think taking the time, the fact that we’re here today shows goodwill. We recognize the foundation that will lead to peace and justice for everyone though. And this is what’s important as when the church and state gather for dialogue, the stronger the agreement, it’s a benefit for everyone in Belize even people who don’t believe in God. Because the principles that we’re working for are principles, social principles that guide a just society. And we have a lot of difficulties right now. You see the crime going up, you see difficulties in families, you see the poverty. And this is something that’s important both to the government and the church.”

Officials say the retreat forms part of an ongoing process aimed at deepening mutual understanding, improving oversight where necessary, and ensuring that faith-based organizations continue to play a constructive role in Belize’s social development.