MAR 13

Minister of Ecclesiastical Relations Senator Ann David Antoine convened her first official meeting with Grenada's religious leaders last week Wednesday during which it was agreed that such meetings would be held monthly for the next few months.

Noting that the religious community is a valuable partner in nation building and acknowledging the decision of Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell to recommend the appointment of a Minister of Ecclesiastical Relations, Sen. Antoine said such consultations will serve to raise the moral status of the Nation.

The Ministry of Ecclesiastical Relations was established in January, in keeping with requests from the religious community during previous consultations with the Prime Minister and also in keeping with recommendations in the National Crime Reduction Strategy.

During the 90-minute meeting, which was attended by approximately 40 church leaders, discussions focussed on areas of concern to both the Government and the church community.

Prime Minister Mitchell said one of the greatest challenges for Government and church leaders is ways by which more guidance and hope can be provided for young people. He applauded those churches that provide activities such as computer literacy and teaching young people to play musical instruments.

Church leaders in attendance welcomed the establishment of a Ministry of Ecclesiastical Relations, regarding it as a venue to share ideas with Government and express concerns, as well as develop unity within the religious community.

Several participants expressed the view that there is need for greater understanding among church leaders. In the words of one participant: "We need to understand more about each other to understand the similarities of our faiths."

Other areas discussed included access to hospitals by the clergy, the provision of concessions to churches and the bureaucratic requirements, domestic violence and sexual abuse.