Ascension : News From St.Marys
Submitted by The Islander (Clive & Jenny Duncan) 18.09.2008 (Article Archived on 02.10.2008)

Dear Friends,
Dear Friends Once again it is my privilege and joy to be on Ascension Island and Canon Clive has given me the opportunity of writing a message to you.

Dear Friends,

Once again it is my privilege and joy to be on Ascension Island and Canon Clive has given me the opportunity of writing a message to you.

The Church has a great responsibility in seeing that Gospel standards are maintained in our day-to-day lives.  The Gospel is not just for the chosen few who attend church, it is for all people.  The Gospel is not just for church affairs but it is also for the whole of our lives, particularly as a community living on this island. 

The Gospel values stand for justice, fairness, democracy and transparency.  And it is the duty of Christians to speak out with a loud voice when these are not present in our community.

We need to see the forthcoming nominations and election of Councillors against this backdrop of justice, fairness democracy and transparency.

We need to decide whether the whole process is going to promote these values; whether the candidates we nominate really stand for such values; and then, if elected, whether they carry out and maintain these values. 

To do anything less is to fail in our duty as Christians.

I will be praying for you all at this critical stage in the life of Ascension. 

May God richly bless you all and guide you in your decisions.

With love and prayers,

Bishop of St Helena