Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Roseau, His Lordship Gabriel Malzaire, has welcomed the establishment of a Ministry of Ecclesiastical Affairs as announced by Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit earlier this week.
He said on Thursday that although he doesn’t quite know what the responsibility of the Minister of Ecclesiastical Affairs is, it is a ‘good move.’
“I am pleased to hear from the Prime Minister’s address the establishment of a Minister of Ecclesiastical Affairs,” the Bishop stated. “I don’t quite know what that responsibility is, however, I think it is a good move as regards the leadership of our country.”
In an address to the nation on Tuesday, Skerrit introduced the new ministry which will be led by Catherine Daniel.
He said the move was in response to calls for an incorporation of Christian values in the walks of life in Dominica.
“This is in direct response to the calls by many, for a much deeper incorporation of Christian values and principles into every walk of life, including, but not limited to the functioning of government and especially in the everyday management and operation of our schools,” the Prime Minister stated.
Malzaire stated that the move was “particularly important when we consider that many governments of the world are trying to smother the use of prayer or anything spiritual in schools and our government is seeing its absolute importance.”
“The Honorable Prime Minister is certainly correct about the problem of the escalation of the crime situation in our country and its attendant causes, one of which is the lack of a proper moral base stemming from a sometimes deficient home formation,” he stated. “With the possibility of inculcating this all-important religious, spiritual dimension to our school’s curriculum which has always been the mission of the Catholic Church is nothing but advantageous.”
The Bishop said he looks forward to working with the Minister of Ecclesiastical Affairs.
“Therefore, I look forward to working with the new Minister of Ecclesiastical Affairs to see to it that our young minds are formed in an integral way,” he remarked.
Politics and religion are the two most divisive factors in this world. History can easily verify this assertion. These two are responsible for more upheavals, wars and confusion than any other thing. They are a combustible mixture. They both take control of the mind. Listen to how people argue over religion and politics. These two kinds of arguments are usually very heated, intense and most acrimonious even among family members and friends. Politics and religion turn everlasting friends into eternal enemies. My point is, do not mix this toxic brew. The church does too much talking and too little action. What the church needs is men who would do more and talk less. The church needs to be actively involved in the community with efforts such as parenting classes, soft and hard skills programs, soup kitchens and assisting the elderly, these are just a few. Young people learn from the actions and example of adults not from their words. Can’t sow discord then expect peace and tranquility.
I am not a supporter of Skerrit and his regime and like the Bishop neither do I know what a Ministry of Ecclesiastical Affairs is responsible for but now that I am reflecting on it, I hope that by setting up this Ministry the Cabinet will consult all the churches- Evangelicals and Christian Council -before they pass certain immoral laws legitimizing certain immoral activities- whether its weed or who you can be married to, or who can commit assisted suicide,they must CONSULT the church for its position on theese matters. Lets hope that this is what they mean by this new Ministry- otherwise only God knows.
How about man lying with man brother, doesn’t the holy book condens that also. Too many pederasts and pedofiles in that church.
“He said the move was in response to calls for an incorporation of Christian values in the walks of life in Dominica.”
Rev Bishop, please be advised that “Satan” cannot forgive sins because he`s a thief, against our God & Jesus. I take this very personal when a head of government has been disrespecting the Christian Philosophy by abusing poor people in need subjecting them to beggars in situations where there is no job creation and has become dependent on this failed Skerrit for handouts, to be fed and queue at Financial Centre for cash. This is against Gods principle & as Bishop “speak out”
What is the moral of this nonsense and where is the church to talk and advocate for our people subjected to begging, false fraternity & loyalty to a failed politician and Prime Minister. This is Odd Your Bishop, very odd and abusive practice.Please stand up to this and condemn it to the fullest. We professionals within the government service, NGO`s, and other practices condemn this…
What a powerful reply to the Bishop’s foolishness
“I don’t quite know what that responsibility is.”Hmm mm. ok! John I was thinking the same thing. I would shake your big toe
Let’s pray for the Bishop, please!! I am of the view that Malzaire is a sufficiently EDUCATED man who should know better. How can you make such a fool of yourself? You yourself said that you don’t know what the responsibility is, yet in the same vein you express your support for it? I doubt, but it sure seems that you have been inhaling the fumes from the exhaust pipes of all dem “Dominica Strong” dumpers roaming the streets of the ……… Come on sir, stop playing “smart” with “chupidness”!! The same mouth that said “praise the Lord”, turn back and say “crucify him”.
HOTEP!
I can’t remember Gariel commenting when skerrit said no law no constitution will stop him from doing what he wants. Gabriel it’s best to keep your mouth shut if you can only speak when it is convenient for you.
Oh look we’ve silenced the opposition… even the church likes us more. Lol
Can you imagine Trump creating a dept of evangelical affairs? Well I can. Politics creates strange bed-fellows. ?
They better not have Lennox torch …I mean touch that one before the election.
First bishop that’s getting himself into politics.
Youare misstaken. There was a bishop Makarios in active politics in Cyprus one time, and a very and a very troublesome fellow he was too.
I wonder what the response would be if bishop sided with Lenox, you all still be blasting him?
It is backing a principle not the human person. Hon Lennox does not wish nor has he, or will he call for favours from “blind loyalist friends”. Where Hon Linton is, Skerrit and his misfits politician can never and will never get t that level of decency in politics and respect for the poor and suffering people in Dominica.
Our response “One of a Kind”, is to challenge Skerrit and rogue corrupt Labour government to come clean, account for the Bin Bobol and the Fertiliser Bobol and other abuse f states fund dished out all over the place.
Skerrit Must Go
Regardless….at the end of the day everyone has there right to vote, it is HIS right to vote and it is HIS right to support a party blue or red…
Y’all cannot come down on someone because a bishop supports a party…keep complaining though see if it gets you somewhere lol
Yes, I would because it is wrong. I never support a poltician for who he is but what he stands for. I don’ want to have a myopic view like you.
Dominica; Haiti #2. wait and see, soon come!
These are all purely political moves aimed at winning the next election. It makes the opposition mad as they can’t match him move for move. But the bishop has not only got financing over the years to rebuild the dilapidated cathedral but finally he’s got into the fabric of government. I support some of the government moves in the rebuilding efforts but skeptical about religious moves.
OMG…Is this the lowest level people can stoop to? Methinks the mental institution should be expanded to treat Skerrit and his gang of the insane.. This is a clear sign of desparation. Now I’ve heard it all. In which century is the Labor Party living in…Ever heard of the separation of church and state? This country is steadily following in the path of Duvalier-ruled Haiti. While I opted to take a neutral stand in the politics of Dominica, I will now say emphatically, that SKERRIT must go. The Government is evolving into a Dictatorship and this is the straw that broke the Camel’s back. How far can they go to suck in votes. The Bishop should worry about the religious principles of the church and not get himself mired in the politics of ‘control.’ Maybe collection plates should be boycotted on Sunday! Shame shame. Yes, I am angry…If the Labor Party is voted in again then Dominicans had better prepare themselves for an unprecedented era of hardship and pain. Vote anyone in but…
It’s a game of survival….if this was Lenox I’m sure he would do the same….skeritt has become the master of this game lol…
He is grabbing aid everyone…..he will no doubt win again…
The climate change Skerrit blamed for Erika and Maria is nothing more than the spiritual climate. Unfortunately that spiritual climate that has changed in Dominica is for the worse, and that’s why Dominica is being destroyed every flipping year. It’s a spiritual climate change that is tolerant to Evil, just to keep an evil and ungodly man in office. It’s a change that will bless evil and condemn good; it’s a spiritual climate change whose god is their belly; a climate change that will even sit down with an evil leader to plot evil, and later come back and say “it’s a good move” though I don’t know what it entails. What a lie! How hypocrite! How do you claim to be God’s voice and you blatantly condoning evil that you know will affect our country? Do you not know that in 2014, the DLP lost the Roseau Central seat to UWP? Has their been an election since? How do you tell Skerrit that it’s a good move to steal a seat he didn’t win when Jesus says to give Caezar what is his…
Now we know why they sent him here from St. Lucia because St. Lucia wouldn’tput up with that crap. What real work does that bishop do anyway. And he wants me to kisshis ring? That is subservience man and I don’ know where that hand has been anyway. Time the bishop takes an example from St.Francis.
“Therefore, I look forward to working with the new Minister of Ecclesiastical Affairs to see to it that our young minds are formed in an integral way. L
Lol ya for more donations hahahahaha. Hey Gabriel Have you observed the changes in your boy, Skerrit?
Everything was” God is good everytime & everytime god is good.” He does mention God any more.
The Lord God the Creator of all things has opened the mouth of the Bishop and without his knowledge made him speak the truth. People be awaken and be glad for the truth has been revealed by the Bishop who is supposedly representing the Lord. God does not sleep and works his miracles in ways we do not understand.
Thank you Lord for revealing the truth from the mouth of the serpent.
How can the Bishop state “I don’t quite know what that responsibility is, however, I think it is a good move”
How can you acknowledge and accept something and yet do not know what you are accepting? only an idiot would make a statement like this.. Fool!
Bishop while I don’t have a problem which your preference of voting, you can’t force religion on people. There is already religion is schools, what more do you want? If you want less crime shoving a religious lesson down someone’s throat won’t solve it infact it might make the situation worst. We need ruthless police here not lazy humans a police uniform.
Religion cannot be and should not be forced!
Man you blue rats will attack anything and anyone lol…
You do realize priest and bishops have a right to vote and support someone right?
And so what IF and IF bishop got a payout?????
I’m sure each of you would take a payout of u got the chance.
Why do you have to call them blue rats? Thats the crap going on in DA people can’t respect each other’s right to support who they want. We should be able to agree to disagree and have no type of contentious relations. Ya’ll keep letting politics divide us, and taking things way too personal.
Because they are blue rats….if you call someone a traitor or tell someone you’re a bad example as a Catholic because u support a party then that person is a rat
“It’s a good move” though I don’t know what the move entails. Bishop Gabriel Malzaire, I want to ask you a few spiritual questions and please tell us if they are good or bad moves.
1. Is it a good thing for a man to pay a husband to divorce his wife so he could marry his wife? Jesus says the person that marries a married person whose partner is alive is in adultery. What do you think bishop? Is that a good move?
2. Bishop, would you perform such marriage or have anything to do with such marriage?
3. Does the Bible support bribery? Would you bishop accept bribe money!
4. Bishop would you consider what Judas Iscariot did to Jesus a good move?
5. Bishop, what’s the difference between what Judas Iscariot did and what Joseph Isaac did?
6 Bishop how come you addressed the move of Skerrit’but didn’t address the evil he encouraged?
I await your response to see if you are in line with God’s word or not.
I’ll answer for the bishop
Keep your beliefs to yourself.
Mind your business
There is no bribe money….done!
Unless the partner is granted an annulment from the church, through a special Vatican tribunal he or she remains married in the eyes of the church and any new marriage, though it may be a legal civil one, will not be recognised by the catholic church and the partner would be considered to be living in sin.
If a ceremony was held in a church building to celebrate such a civil wedding I guess it could be termed a blessing but never an official wedding in the eyes of the church, although I would find it difficult to see how the church could even allow an official blessing but I suppose such a deed could possibly extended by an individual priest his own cognisance and conscience.
“His Lordship Gabriel Malzaire, has welcomed the establishment of a Ministry of Ecclesiastical Affairs as announced by Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit earlier this week.”
Admin: Let it be known when the word ” Lord” is written with a capital “L” it indicate the The Lord God Jehovah! Every other lord is written with a sub letter or lower case “l.”
For this man to be on your site talking such hogwash, supporting a satanic appointment about minister of Ecclesiastics, is a threat to Christianity in Dominica.
Roosevelt intentions now is to control the wishes of people in the country by dictating which christian doctrine they follow: Believers in God; the Church should be free from the dictates of any political party. Anytime government becomes involve in the Church, that is term conflict between Church and State; hence we are now beginning to see a dictatorship, take over of what suppose to free from politics!
Roosevelt is Catholic, hence they intend to make Malzaire…
If the church will now influence Dominica’s schools, etc. does this mean that the government will now influence Dominica’s churches?
I think so. in countries like China the catholic church allows the state to appoint its bishops.
The moo moo talking
Wow Bishop Lordship Gabriel Malzaire! Bishop you praising everything Skerrit says or does whether they are right or wrong man? Sir were you the one that got him married or, did you play any part in his marriage? I meant his HOLY??? (marriage) Was everything also a very good move sir?
he is a dam fraud
He’s a fraud???? There are many frauds in the church
My Bishop, please be a man of God and stop being the Skerrit spiritual “fix it man.” Bishop how could you be so quick to congratulate Skerrit for his new Ecclesiastical Minister which came about as a result of a Judas Iscariot like evil that took place in Dominica that you have yet to addressed? My Bishop, no matter what we say and how we put it, the truth is, over 90% of the people of Roseau central voted for UWP and no doubt their votes were stolen! What do you say sir? Here is how Jesus answered this question in Matt. 22:17-21, when he dealt with a similar issue: 17 Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?
18 … Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?
19 Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny.
20 And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription?
21 They say unto him, Caesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s. Bishop, hate UWP or not it was their…
So because the bishop support Skerrit he isn’t a man of God?????? Are you people stupid???? So what does that make him if he were support Lenox…keep your bible phrases because they won’t help you
Thank God, you only one of a kind. Too Many you keeps the world at war
I did not expect anything better from this guy.
I never quite understood that climate change thing Skerrit was talking about until today, after reading this article.Climate change in Dominica is real because clearly, climate change affected two main sectors 1. It affected our politics so much so that we are now a ONE STATE government, ‘Either Red or dead’ and 2. We seem to be on the verge of a ONE STATE religion that we should refer to as Void of Conscience.
I hope the PM fires lady Daniel as Ecclesiastical Minister, and appointment Lordship Gabriel Malzaire as the Minister so we could have one religion, which is the Catholic Church, since climate change cause them all to believe the same thing and Skerrit seems to be their lord of lord
Just what we need, more prayer; things will be so much better. What are we going to do for people of other faiths or non-believers?
They will bring back the inquisition of course.
Trinidad was so so rite..if dominica cannot pay its caricom dues..den how will it pay the new ministers?…o i know…Judas’s 30 pieces of silver is still available
Bishop you have elevated to the role of Dotishness.
You don’t know what Ecclesiastical Ministry is But it’s a Good thing . You need to Resign Retire and go on an extended RETREAT you are a Disappointment to the Catholic Church period
I suppose you can be a better example to Catholic Church? By all means shows us what it is to be Catholic
Come Katholic show us how to be better Catholics….king Dotish
No answer??? A bunch of dislikes but no answer hahahahaha
Great job Mr.Dotish
“He said on Thursday that although he doesn’t quite know what the responsibility of the Minister of Ecclesiastical Affairs is, it is a ‘good move.’
You see why Dominica is in the mess we are in? How do you as a man of God endorse something that you are on record saying you don’t know what it is, but, it’s a good move? Boy Dominicais in serious trouble you know.
Another thing that exposes the hypocrisy of these religious leaders is, see what happened and why this ministry was created. That’s the Prime Minister stealing votes that are not his and, like Judas Iscariot they must have preached alot about during the holy week, Joseph Isaac did the very same thing, yet the bishop says nothing about but instead, praised lord Skerrit for creating that new ministry to cover the unchristlike move.
Stealing votes????
Are you s*****? How is he stealing votes?????
I guess ppl in Catholic cannot make up their minds???
Because bishop MAY have gotten a pay out does that mean everyone will follow him?? No it doesn’t no votes were stolen.
“although he doesn’t quite know what the responsibility of the Minister of Ecclesiastical Affairs is, it is a ‘good move”
Well this is all I needed to read. smh. He doesn’t know what her responsibility is but it’s a good move. “ye generation of vipers”
I tend to agree with the bishop you know. My slight difference is, instead of an elderly woman, that vital ministry should go to a man, preferably with be preaching ability and as such I see three men that are highly qualified and one should be given that ministry: Either Bishop Gabriel Malzaire, Evangelist Peter R Augustine or pastor Bernard Joseph, since the forth candidate is dead
My humble and honest opinion is that all three men would probably serve God better as a minister of government than as a minister of religion
You mean the three wise men of the East brother
These last two names…..?????Y0u got to be joking…or need to visit the confession box…and take them with you ?
Does Skerrit want to imitatie China where this past January the Pope recognismed seven catholic bishops appointed by the government? This cosy arrangement is called a concordate but I woul call it a mutually beneficial business arrangement. I am a catholic myself but am disgusted by this. My Churchill is no stranger to deal making of this kind. The Churchill keeps its fathful under controle an in return receives favours from the government.
Why don’t you do your chur h business instead of putting yourself in this politics affair.
Stay away from politics. That’s why the cathedral is lime rhis
Dominica doesn’t need Religion, it needs God. Full stop. The people of Dominica need to align or re-align themselves with the things of God. And return to God.”Therefore say to them, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts, “Return to Me,” declares the LORD of hosts, “that I may return to you,” says the LORD of hosts. Zacheriah 1:3.
The battle we are fighting is Spiritual. The recent oppressions, oppositions, trials and tribulations that Dominicans have been recently/currently facing is because of a spiritual battle and we MUST return to God to see our way through.
Good luck with that
Complete rubbish. Religion is a personal choice!
It will be interesting to see which doctrine the ministry is going to adopt. We have Muslims, seventh day Adventist, yaweh, Jehovah witness etc in this country….will the ministry implement prayer sessions to accommodate each denomination or will it be a 1 size fit all.
The role of religion should be a social one….not political. To attribute the breakdown of our society to a lack of church/religion in schools is to close one’s eyes to the real reasons. While religion can help who chooses it, it should not be forced on anyone. Catholic schools can teach what they please but public schools are doing enough with religion already.
The bishop himself should know that! But I suppose they all long for the good ole’ days when society lived in fear of so much as questioning a priest! The old days of “Catholic elite” is never coming back.
Regardless who of what religion it is, people enjoy throw religion down your throat, I agree religion shouldn’t be forced but again what can u expect. Once you stand up for yourself no one can force that on you.
As for you Malzaire! We all know that you already bought and paid for by skerrit.
Yeah what’s your point? If you got a few thousand wouldn’t you?
What if the church needs money and collection isn’t enough?
If your name is Judas Iscariot you would!
Hmph….and the P.M thought that “Lady” is the best person to lead that Ministry?!
*rolls eyes*
Well, she not Maria Magdalene is she?
God sees and knows everything. You don’t even know what the ministry about but is a good move. Mix up in politics still. All will receive judgment in the end. Rich and poor. Foolish and wise.
More religion in schools won’t make a ha’porth of difference.
But having said that, I do recollect that long ago my beloved Headmistress once brought me in line by bashing me over the head with the school bible.
Did he have to seek your “blessing” before he made the final decision?
Lol I’m waiting for the comments lol
But of course you will…… FOR SKERRO YOU WILL FORGET CHURCH AND STATE ARE TO BR SEPARATE!
Dominica is on its way to hell in a pretty basket!
So my dear bishop you are telling me that your church has failed to save souls, have fail to be the fabric of the community, the pillars of ethnical and moral guidance that the government is now pushed to intervene.
You are very aware of Skerrit’s plan but yet to line your pockets you are co-signing…. Dominicans need to read up on how Castro, Hitler and many other dictators and mentally deranged leaders like those in Africa, how they got to amass the power they had…. their first moves were to 1. Dismantle the economy making the majority dependent on the government…. 2. Infiltrate the churches……. but I will end with this, as soon as all power was attained churches were quickly dismantled.
Dominica is on the way to hell??
Would you like to step up and be the one save Dominica? Or you gonna let this country go to hell?
“I am pleased to hear from the Prime Minister’s address the establishment of a Minister of Ecclesiastical Affairs,” the Bishop stated. “I don’t quite know what that responsibility is, however, I think it is a good move as regards the leadership of our country.”
What are you saying? Again, it’s just another follow fashion type comment..Exactly what is wrong in Dominica. All of us turn to “Yes” men…Jokers!!
Good intention it may seem, but the point is, it is a political move. The advisers behind such a move are political strategists. Religion is continually abused by self centered religious leaders. Tropical storm Erica came we did not learn, hurricane Maria came we hardened our hearts. Its all about money, money and more money.
Forgive me Bishop, but I don’t trust you,…..how much more money do you need to finish the CHURCH building/s…….how can you really believe in this ministry which you stated you don’t know whats it all about……..
He said on Thursday that although he doesn’t quite know what the responsibility of the Minister of Ecclesiastical Affairs is, he said it is a ‘good move.’
Why did you not wait to hear what it is before saying it is a good move. The devil is in the details. Skerrit and the labour government has no moral authority to be suggesting anything on Christianity. If Dominicans are loosing faith and hope and going the evil ways it means our churches are failing. Instead of doing a better job you guys think dancing with a gov that spent years on deceit and lies will help. Bishop i am born and raised Catholic and i think you full of doo doo. So to are many Christian. To often politicians and preachers confuse public policy and religion because there are components of the two that coincide, eg social programs, health care and education. However politicians cannot pick sides on to what national faith should be when Christianity is divided and so to is religion.
Christian denominations in Dominica compete for members, politicians compete for votes to control the lives of people. The marriage of the two has always created a toxic mix because of the strong convictions and extreme sentiments they roll with. Skeritt thinks he has the solutions for all Dominica problems and creates these overnight feel good ideas when in reality they are crooked and worthless. The reason the devil uses deception is because it works on the best of us. One of the main causes of societies ills is when the church get involve in politics especially when it is known the politicians are nasty dirty thieves. The congregations loose faith in the shepard and the flock go astray. The government has an almost 20 year record. Go ask the politicians about adultery fornication theft, lies, and deceit. These are moral sins bishop. To end the church should stick to moral issues and the bible independent of politics and politician should stic to social development for all.
Are the few Muslims living in Dominica represented? After all we are close friends and allies with a communist country that does not allow religious freedom. What is needed in Dominica is what is referred to as “human security”, that is the freedom from fear and the freedom from want. That should start with the equitable distribution of Dominica’s limited resources, a process necessary for ending poverty in Dominica. A policy that serves to make the rich richer, and the poor poorer, in not based on Christian principles.
The bishop does not know wha this new government ministery entails, yet he welcomes its establishment. I’m sorry but this does not give me a high opinion of this Churchill leader. It!s like buying a cat in a bag , or a pig in a poke as the English would say. There is no place for religion in government, which has to present all our citizens of all persuasions.
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Why don’t the Bishop seat down and be quiet? Dominica and Dominicans have always had a relationship with God. So we do not need any politician to come and tell us how to conduct our life with the Creator.
The politicians were elected to develop the island and they have failed miserably. Are they now going to repent for what they did to Pierre Charles ? They have to start somewhere and confess in public.
We have always been a God fearing people. What we need is earthly safety from those terrible storms that are impending.
“I don’t quite know what that responsibility is, however, I think it is a good move…”
So, you are appraising something you have no idea about??
Boi, Dominica hav some classics wi pal!
Please sir pray and then what———– ignorant
Ok Bishop, we know you are not Dominican so you can say what you want. Since it is so important for such ministry is there such a ministry in your home island? I f not why?