Justice and values ‘make society a whole’ – Pres Ali

…as Seventh Days Adventist Conference opens

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Wednesday joined the Seventh-Day Adventist Church for the Guyana Conference Sixth Quadrennial, where his discourse focused on justice and values as important pillars of a harmonious society.
The conference is set to run from April 12 to 14, 2023, at the Central Seventh-day Adventist Church, followed by a convention and installation of officers at the National Cultural Centre on Saturday, April 15, 2023.

However, during his address to the gathering which inclided Opposition Leader, Aubrey and several Opposition Members of Parliament, the Head of State pointed towards justice and the underpinning elements of freedom and democracy that it governs. He added that there is a choice for all of Guyana to practice such values.
“Justice comes with values. Values are what make society a whole. Love comes with value and that is what binds society together. We cannot love and work towards justice if we don’t adhere to the core values of what love and justice are.”
He added, “Democracy is a form of justice. Freedom is a form of justice. Love for the church is an important component in securing that love and justice that exists.
The Head of State spoke about the importance of the Word of God and its enduring meaning which brings peace and solace. He also emphasised the importance of justice, morality, and the role those religious institutions, like the church, play in human development and protecting and nurturing values that are sacred and anchoring.
“The word of God does not change with the tide or wind or circumstances…The condition for love, justice, peace, and harmony does not change. The word of God does not have a double standard in the meaning of anything. It is simple, straight, precise and is there for us to follow,” he shared.
Ali reminded that Government remains open to working with the church and other religious bodies in moving Guyana forward.
He urged, “Share with me those ideas and recommendations that will help me to be better as your president and will also help us to better deliver to you, the church, and the people of our country.”
In building out the One Guyana policy, the President also encouraged there to be better citizens of the country and their communities.
“In this One Guyana that we’re building, I plead with every one of us to be better to ourselves, be better to our families, our community. If we are better to ourselves, our families, and our communities, we will be better for our country. If we are better to our country, we will surely be better service to God.”
The Adventists Church in Guyana has a membership of over 62,000 with worshippers in 228 congregations which are distributed in 31 pastoral districts scattered across the 3 counties of Guyana.
The theme of the session is “Anchored in His Promises, Advancing His Purpose,” and it will bring together delegates from across the country to discuss mission goals, receive reports from administrators and directors, make suggestions for future effectiveness, and elect officers to serve for the new quadrennium.