Isani Cayetano, Reporting

Religious leaders from across the country gathered in Belize City today, answering a call from the Ministry of Religious Affairs. At a special retreat, church leaders met with Minister Dr. Louis Zabaneh and CEO Chester Williams, as the ministry continues its push to strengthen ties with faith-based groups. Since taking on the portfolio, Dr. Zabaneh has been working closely with the religious community, and today’s meeting marked another step in that ongoing collaboration.

                           Louis Zabaneh

Dr. Louis Zabaneh, Minister of Religious Affairs

“We have a foundation for all of us with respect to our work in the religious community, our work in the public sphere, our work in the private sphere. There’s a foundation that has been set that is to guide us, especially in terms of nationhood. I look forward to us continuing to define and prioritize those special areas that we need to work on together.”

Archbishop Philip Wright kept it simple today: the church isn’t trying to replace or compete with the state. He said its job is to connect communities, defend human dignity, and speak truth with compassion. He added that government must protect the vulnerable and work for justice. Real progress, the President of the Belize Council of Churches said, only happens when both sides respect each other, keep talking, and put people first.

                      Archbishop Philip Wright

Archbishop Philip Wright, President, Belize Council of Churches

“The church’s role in society has never been to replace the state, nor to compete with it, but to help form connections, uphold human dignity and speak truth rooted in love. The state, in turn, bears the solemn responsibility of ensuring justice, peace, and the common good for all, especially the most vulnerable, the weak, the marginalized, and the disenfranchised. True partnership between church and state flourishes where there is mutual respect, open dialogue, and a shared commitment to the dignity of every person.”

CEO Chester Williams says the government must rethink how it works with the church, stressing that Belize represents everyone, not just one slice of society.

                               Chester Williams

Chester Williams, CEO, Ministry of Religious Affairs

“Certainly there’s a lot that needs to be done with respect to the church/state relationship that we have in this country. I do believe that Belize is still a Christian nation, as many of us are God-fearing. But while we have that belief, we, as a government, will have to look at the broader picture, the broader scope of things. And while working with the Christians, we must also seek to see how we can strike the balance with those who are non-Christians, and those who are Christians but have different beliefs than we do. As a country, as a government, we represent everybody, and not just a fraction of society.”

Reverend Lloyd Stanford says evangelical churches are pushing for unity despite their differences, hoping today’s forum helps them fully grasp the challenges facing Belizean society.

                    Reverend Lloyd Standford

Reverend Lloyd Standford, President, Belize Association of Evangelical Churches

“We seek to carry this out through a unified effort among ourselves, recognizing all the doctrinal differences that we have but we respect each one of them as we seek to carry out the mandate that God has given to us. My prayer is that, as we meet in this forum today, that we will get a better understanding of the scope of the challenges that we have in this society.”

And as that dialogue continues, today’s retreat closed with a shared push for unity and a clearer path forward on how church and state can work together for the country’s good. Isani Cayetano for News Five.

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

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The post Church and State Deepen Partnership at Religious Affairs Retreat first appeared on Greater Belize Media.

                       Father Scott Giuliani

Father Scott Giuliani, Priest, Divine Mercy Church

“Remember the goodness of our Father in heaven, when Jesus come to reveal. And remember how God the Father is love and mercy himself as he shares his grace upon us. And in that we can also remember our own sinfulness, where we fall short and who we are children of God. And so this is a wonderful opportunity for whoever we are, wherever, whatever our sins may be to get a new beginning and to call to mind Jesus death in the cross, the blood he shed for his grace.”

                       Louis Zabaneh

Dr. Louis Zabaneh, Attendee 

“As a Catholic it’s really humbling to be with our community and Ash Wednesday is a very important day for us where we recognize, as the Bible teaches us, as Jesus teaches us that we are from dust and to dust we shall return. So that reminds us that we traverse based in the blessings from our creator and that we must be humble every day and grateful for what we have.”

                           Aimee Jex

Aimee Jex, Attendee

“One of the things we have to remember is that for lent we’re having mass at noon every day. One of the things that is hard about lent is giving up things, fasting, making sacrifices but at the end of the day, the point of it is to prepare. What do you want to prepare for?” It’s like new year’s. You have to prepare ahead of time; you have to plan and that’s what we’re really doing here. It’s the first day of preparing to be ready for the coming of Jesus.”

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

Watch the full newscast here:

The post Hundreds of Belizeans Celebrate Ash Wednesday first appeared on Greater Belize Media.

          Prime Minister John Briceño

Prime Minister John Briceño

“The leader of the Jesuits was here and I think it was important for us as the government to be there. He brought a lot of heavy hitters form Africa and the U.S. and Latin America and I felt it was important as Belizeans to be there and show our support and reverence to their visit and to show an appreciation for the hundred and seventy five years of service they have given to this country. That is why I felt it was important for myself to go.”

Prime Minister John Briceño says attending the historic Jesuit anniversary mass was a matter of respect and gratitude, as the order marks one‑hundred‑and‑seventy‑five years of service to Belize.

The post PM Attends Jesuit Anniversary, House Sits Late first appeared on Greater Belize Media.

According to the ministry, the meeting offered church leaders a space to openly discuss upcoming laws and challenges facing communities. Leaders were able to share perspectives on religious freedom, family values, education, public health, and broader social well-being.

The ministry stressed that while the government must make decisions in the public interest, it respects freedom of religion as guaranteed in the Constitution. “The Ministry and the evangelical leaders acknowledged the value of continued dialogue and cooperation in addressing national and community-level challenges,” the press release stated.

The Ministry of Constitution and Religious Affairs said it will keep engaging with churches and other faith-based organisations to strengthen partnerships that support schools and communities across Belize.

No specifics were provided on legislative or policy matters discussed during the meeting.

The post Zabaneh Meets Evangelical Church Leaders first appeared on Greater Belize Media.

Shane Williams Reporting

Archbishop Wright’s election took place just days ago in The Bahamas at the Provincial Synod. Methodist Bishop reverend Elswith Clare congratulated him on behalf of the Council of Churches.

                      Reverend Elswith Clare

Reverend Elswith Clare, Methodist Bishop

“Today we are honoring a new chapter of spiritual leadership. On behalf of the Methodist Church of the Belize Honduras District, the Roman Catholic Church of Belize, the Salvation Army of Belize, the Chinese Christian mission. And the Belize Chinese Church and other members of the Belize Council of Churches and the entire community. It is with warm, heartfelt joy and profound respect that we extend our warmest congratulation and sincere welcome to you, his grace the most Reverend Philip S. Wright, newly elected Archbishop and primate metropolitan of the church of the Province of the West Indies.”

As Archbishop, Wright now becomes the spiritual leader for eight dioceses across the Caribbean — from Barbados to Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad, the Bahamas, and beyond. The role places him at the forefront of regional unity, doctrine, and pastoral direction. However, his grace hopes most of all that his ascension results in a revival of the church right here at home.

                His Grace Philip S. Wright

His Grace Philip S. Wright, ArchBishop

“I’m hoping that given that is true, that actually what it will lead to more than anything else is hopefully more people making a commitment to God and to the work of his church. What I wouldn’t want it to be is, uh, is about me. If you, if you see what I’m trying to say. At the end of the day, yes, there are things that might be historical about this moment, and that is fine, and the record books will record that. But I, if there is a momentum, if there’s an energy here, I hope it will encourage people to look at their own relationship with God, their life in the church and seek to improve both. And with that, I think indeed we can have a further impact on our society and on the lives of our people..”

Wright has served as Bishop of Belize since 2005, during which he has championed Christian education, youth engagement, parish renewal, and community outreach. Dr. Louis Zabaneh, Minister of Religious Affairs, shared government’s congratulations and emphasized the importance of close church-state relations.

                     Louis Zabaneh

Dr. Louis Zabaneh, Minister Religious Affairs

“I’ve known him for many years and, you know, he’s beloved by all across the country. And so it’s a, it’s for all of us. I know it’s the Anglican Church, but we in the entirety of Belize celebrate this milestone. We know he’s the second one to have gotten this elevation, but we, we are very, very proud. And so, you know to welcome him back to Belize and to let him know that we are here with him and we’re enjoying this very, very special moment in our history.”

For Belize, his elevation is significant — placing the country at the center of Anglican leadership across the Caribbean. And for the church, it marks the beginning of a new chapter guided by a Bishop whose ministry has been shaped right here at home with ecumenical unity being an important agenda.

His Grace Philip Wright

“I’ve always been a strong supporter of the ecumenical movement. Among the reasons is I think no one of us has all the answers, and it is when we come together in humility and respect that we can learn from one another, share what sometimes people call best practices. But we can learn from each other and we can recognize that we are on one journey, a journey towards the fullest apprehension of who God is and the power of his love.”

Archbishop Wright will continue his duties as Bishop of Belize while now overseeing Anglican affairs across the region. His official insertion as Archbishop is scheduled for early next year. Shane Williams for News Five.

The post Warm Welcome for First Belizean Born Anglican Arch Bishop first appeared on Greater Belize Media.

Thousands of faithful watched as Acutis was canonised alongside Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, who died in 1925 at age 24. Known for his work as a web designer and devout Catholic, Acutis used his digital skills to educate others about Eucharistic miracles. Born on May 3, 1991, he has now made history as the Church’s first millennial saint.

Acutis is entombed wearing a sweatshirt, jeans, and sneakers, a stark contrast to the traditional garments of other saints.

The road to sainthood included the recognition of two miracles. His first miracle occurred in 2020 when a Brazilian boy recovered after his mother prayed in Acutis’ name. In July 2024, the late Pope Francis confirmed a second miracle, clearing the way for his canonisation.

Carlo’s mother, Antonia Salzano Acutis, shared that sainthood runs in the family, noting that two nuns from their lineage were canonised in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Carlo Acutis’ canonisation marks a milestone for the Church, bridging faith and modern youth culture, and inspiring young people worldwide to embrace spirituality in their everyday lives.

The post Carlo Acutis Becomes First Millennial Saint first appeared on Greater Belize Media.

The post White Smoke Signals Election of First American Pope first appeared on Greater Belize Media.

                    Father Scott Giuliani

Father Scott Giuliani, Priest, Divine Mercy Church

“It’s not by chance  by chance that his last blessing that he gave to the world was a time on the greatest feast that we have of the year where we celebrate Jesus resurrection, that over sin and suffering and death, we had the victory in Christ and the resurrection. And at this time, this beginning of the celebration of Easter, it’s in this season that Pope Francis, after a time of suffering during Lent, he’s called to go home at that time in his last public appearance, was wishing everyone a happy Easter and giving that blessing to his people. And so I think that for us is, it’s a great reminder of where we’re going. We’re celebrating Jubilee year this year as well. And we’re called to be pilgrims of hope. And so Pope Francis really reminds us of what a pilgrim of hope means as he lives his life as a pilgrim. And now we, he hopes to be fulfilled and be in that peace, place of peace in heaven. Pope Francis,  you love him or you hate him. He was a figure that really touched people’s hearts and he. From the very beginning, after he was elected, usually the Pope goes off and he would take a ride back in, in a different special car. Like he jumped on the bus with all his brother Cardinals. And he just would do these sort of things where he would try to build these bridges beyond these kind of social barriers that we have. And he, by choosing the word Francis, after this St. Francis Assisi, this kind of guided his pontificate. Where Pope St. Francis, he was in a time of conflict and battle in the war. Also Pope Francis in time with Ukraine and Gaza and Sudan and these different conflicts around the world, he preached peace. He was a man of creation, speaking about the responsibility for our common home. So what, speaking about integral ecology says whether the care for the environment can’t be separated from the care for the dignity of the human person, especially those most vulnerable, from the unborn to the elderly, to both poor and rich. He was a man of great dialogue. He was always breaking social barriers in a lot of ways. And so he’d reach out to people who have different faiths, different creeds, and he’d come together in a fraternity. Give us an example of how we meet with people who perhaps not share the same ideas as we do, but we meet in peace and mutual respect. And he gives a great example of that way.”

The post Belize Declares Period of Mourning for Late Pope first appeared on Greater Belize Media.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

It’s been ten years since the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community started the Jalsa Salana Conference in Belize. What began as a small gathering of about thirty people blossomed into a celebration with hundreds of attendees. The Jalsa Salana brings people together to learn about the Islamic community and join in exciting activities. Missionary Ata’ul Haq warmly invites every Belizean to join the festivities.

                          Ata’ul Haq

Ata’ul Haq, Missionary, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at

“Jalsa Salana is, an event, again, a spiritual event in which we want to invite every single person. It’s not just a Muslim event. We want to invite our Christian friends, our Hindu friends, Jewish friends, every single person. You are more than welcome to come and to sit with us, because this year the theme is Islam, a Religion of Peace, and we want to show you that we are truly peaceful and loving people. Our motto is Love for all and hatred for none.”

As the community celebrates the ten-year anniversary of Jalsa Salani in Belize, National President Arslan Warraich reflects on their impact over the past decade.

                  Arslan Warraich

Arslan Warraich, National President, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at

“Belize has enabled us and welcomed us with such open arms. The media, you know this, that in America and stuff, they don’t give, they don’t give publicity or even any care towards other fates, right? But they give us a fair chance to speak and to invite and to host people, right? So now with these conventions, the thing is that people like yourselves, humble, kind, kindhearted people that come to this event and they see that wait, everything that the media is seeing in the US or wherever is all nonsense. That these are such peaceful, loving people, and then they feel much more comfortable. So the annual convention is just one aspect of that, to remove these misconceptions, right? And for us to break bread together because that helps bridge these gaps that society tries to create.”

Even though the community is growing fast, the event isn’t about changing anyone’s beliefs. It’s all about celebrating and appreciating the unique differences.

Ata’ul Haq

“Tomorrow they will be having a ladies session, ladies only session as well. Three thirty P.M. tomorrow for the Jalsa Salana here at the Maji. No, on a mile and a half George Price Highway. Every single person can also bring their children because we will have a kids’ play zone as well, in which they will be taken care of, so you as a parent can come. Don’t worry. Your children will be well taken care of, and they will be safe, and you can enjoy the proceedings of the Jasa Solana bouncy castle. They will have a bouncy castle and snacks and everything. There is no fee, not a single dollar you need to pay to come here and enjoy. All right. We also have a exhibition that we would like for everyone to come and see, just to see the history of our community in Belize as well.”

The Ahmadiyya basketball league will also be joining in on the celebration. Belizeans are invited to attend and cheer for their favorite teams to bring the gold home.

Ata’ul Haq

“We will be having the semi-finals for the U18 and the U22 at St. John’s College. And then followed by that. We’ll, at 10 o’clock in the morning, we will start all the final matches at Civic Center, right? And there, there’s gonna be the U50, the U12, U15, the U18 for the females, U18 for the males, and the U22. So all of that will be happening at the Civic. All of that will be happening at the Civic. Please note that usually there is an entrance fee, but for the finals, there will be no entrance fee, and we want to encourage everyone to come out and support their teams. We have teams that, we have five teams from Mexico that are still in the playoffs, so they’ll be making their way over to Belize as well. Everyone is encouraged to come out and support their local Belize team Belize teams and, give that support.”

Britney Gordon for News Five.

The post Ten Years of Jalsa Salana in Belize first appeared on Greater Belize Media.

“Rev. Elswith Clare’s ordination is a testament to her unwavering dedication, spiritual leadership, and commitment to serving both the church and its congregation,” the Ministry stated in a press release. 

“Her ascension to the role of Bishop represents not only a personal achievement but also a beacon of hope and inspiration for all who look to her guidance,” added the Ministry, highlighting the essential role of religious leaders in fostering community and promoting interfaith dialogue. 

They wished Bishop Clare success and anticipated her leadership would positively impact the church and its mission.

The post Rev. Elswith Clare Ordained as New Methodist Bishop first appeared on Greater Belize Media.