The United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands local Deputy General Secretary, Bryan Bothwell in announcing the special worship in respect of Cayman’s General Election said, “Democratic government is something to celebrate. The Church recognises the tremendous contribution so many people make in this respect, whether those who offer themselves to govern the nation or those who are responsible for the integrity and effectiveness of the many aspects of the elections process, and it wishes to give thanks for them. And in Cayman, where our Constitution proudly recognises the unarguable role of our ‘Christian heritage and its enduring influence and contribution in shaping the spiritual, moral and social values that have guided development and brought peace, prosperity and stability to the Islands’, it is right that we continue to give thanks to God for this blessing.”

A service in respect of the general elections is a Cayman landmark and this time it will be held at Elmslie Memorial United Church in George Town on the waterfront on Sunday, 19 May, at 5pm.

The United Church has noted that while it will be hosting the service this year, the aim is for it to be ecumenical in nature, where the whole Christian community in Cayman can join in worship, thanksgiving and intercession. Therefore other Clergy from the Cayman Ministers Association are expected to participate in leading aspects of the service. The recently installed Moderator of the United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands the Rev. Yvette Noble Bloomfield, will be the preacher.

Mr. Bothwell noted the significance and also of the intention declared in the Constitution “to [continue to] be a God-fearing country based on traditional Christian values”. He felt this spoke very clearly of the standards required of everyone involved in the General Elections process, candidates, voters, elections officials and staff, the news media and others.

“So, in the service we will be lifting all of this up to God and seeking to encourage and help everyone involved to grapple with what the breadth and depth of Christ’s love and humility and His precepts of that which is just and right demands of us all,” he said.

The church hopes there will be a large turnout from the Christian community to the public service, including the candidates and other participants, to seek God’s blessings and directions as the country chooses its next Legislators.

On the morning of General Election Day, Wednesday 22^nd May, starting at 7:30am there will be a Service of  Worship and Holy Communion at St. George’s Anglican Episcopal Church, Courts Road (off Eastern Av). Everyone is invited.