Dear Editor,
I recently visited Guyana after a lengthy absence and witnessed significant progress ,new buildings, improved roads, and in some parts, a much better-looking Georgetown. Development is visible, and that in itself is encouraging.
However, my final weekend in Guyana was what truly uplifted and inspired me.
On Saturday, I participated in a give-back event that my sister organizes twice a year for families in Sophia. I can honestly say that I received more from that experience than the many families who were blessed with clothing for the entire household, household goods, toys, books, and food.
The event began with Reverend Vernon Hussey counseling the children, encouraging them to be appreciative and to use God’s teachings as guidance in how they live their lives. She offered prayers before the distribution began, setting a tone of faith and dignity.
The following day, my living siblings and I drove to my mother’s childhood church in Golden Grove, where Rev. Hussey was officiating.
Without doubt, she is a liberation theologian. She told the large congregation that it is not enough to simply attend church every Sunday. She called on believers to play a role in ending poverty, injustice, civil rights violations, and corruption. She urged them to follow Christ’s example, to stand up against evil, but to do so peacefully. She even suggested that members join protests or take whatever lawful action they see fit to bring about justice.
I have always called on the Church in Guyana and other members of civil society to stand against wrongdoing, irrespective of who is committing it.
We all recall the days of Father Darke and Bishop George speaking out boldly against what they saw as wrong. One has to wonder why, in the last three decades, when wrongdoing has reached new levels, there has been so much silence.
It was refreshing to hear Rev. Hussey standing up for the underrepresented and the disenfranchised. I sincerely hope others follow her example.
Yours truly
Methodist Minister
