The People Came to Worship. The Government Came for Votes – “Render Unot Caesar….”

“Render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s and unto God what is God’s.” – Matthew 22:21
More than 60% of Guyanese identify as Christian, so it came as no surprise that when the PPP government sponsored a free Christian concert, draped in the politically charged “One Guyana” branding, thousands showed up. They came to praise God. The government came to exploit their faith.

The event was billed as a national celebration of Christian unity. But from the moment the crowd gathered, it was clear this was less about worship and more about politics. Ministers of government flooded social media with images of the massive turnout, rushing to imply that the attendees were supporters of the PPP. A gospel concert was converted into a campaign rally without the decency of disclosure.

The manipulation wasn’t subtle. It was calculated. And it was insulting.

Prominent attorney Darren Wade didn’t mince words:

“The people of the world are wiser than the people of God, Luke 16:8. Last night offered a clear representation of this verse. Thousands attended a PPP rally (One Guyana Concert) in the name of Christianity, yet many of these same pastors remain silent about the victimization, marginalization, and numerous injustices our people face.”  Wade’s words cut to the heart of the matter.

A participants with whom this news outlet spoke stated that, “Too many pastors blessed the event with their silence. Not one prayer was raised for the unemployed. Not one gospel artist spoke of the suffering of ordinary Guyanese families. Not a word about racial division, skyrocketing cost of living, or the looting of national resources. In a moment meant for spiritual renewal, the government saw an opportunity for political theatre, and seized it.”

Another said, “It’s election season in Guyana. And instead of engaging voters with policies, truth, and accountability, the ruling party is now reaching for the Bible. The danger is clear, when sacred spaces are politicized, the line between worship and propaganda begins to blur.

Let us be clear. The crowd came for Christ, not for Caesar.”