Churches Say No to Marijuana Legalization

The Belize Council of Churches, having consulted regionally with its counterparts in the Caribbean, has put forward a definitive position on the proposed legalization of marijuana.  The religious organization is steadfast in its stance against government’s decision to eventually allow for the cultivation, trade and consumption of cannabis.  On Tuesday, the representative body issued a statement on the controversial issue.  Earlier today, News Five spoke with Bishop Moses Benguche who also represents the religious community in the Upper House.  According to the Senator, the Belize Council of Churches will not be lending support to G.O.B.’s proposed legislation.

Moses Benguche

Bishop Moses Benguche, Belize Council of Churches

“The church, based on what has been presented, will not be able to support the legislation and anything else that comes out from the government concerning the legalization of marijuana in the present format.  And so, we made that known from the beginning and we have stated what are some of the consequences of the legalization of marijuana in this country at this time.  It is not only the social issues, but you would recognize that it also deals with the health issues, also the psychological factor as it has to do with the use of marijuana.  And so, all these things put together does concern the church as a part of its position and why we came to that position. I can speak, I know that the Evangelicals, for example, will speak for themselves, but they are quite clear as to what their position is insofar as understanding the fact that it will not only affect us and affect the society, but it is the whole health concern and it is where we are as the body of the church on the understanding that the body is the temple of the Lord.  But in addition to that, the kind of dialogue that the church has had has not stemmed from recent things, but the church, over the years, has also involved itself in the study and the use of marijuana.  So, it is not like we have arbitrarily come up with a decision, but it is the fact that we have seen what has happened in other countries.”