Church leaders urged P.M. to reconsider
The story of how Prime Minister Said Musa came to change his mind involved many factors. While the overwhelming sentiment of the citizenry formed the basis for everything that followed, those feelings were well known for weeks. What were the individual straws that broke the proverbial camel’s back? One important input came from the nation’s religious leaders in a meeting on Wednesday morning with the P.M. According to Anglican Bishop Philip Wright, the church officials emphasized the need to keep an open mind.
Bishop Philip Wright, Anglican Diocese
“It was a calm atmosphere. We realised we were there to hear from both sides and we expected both sides to pretty much put on the table their perspective on things. The Prime Minister came and he offered some explanations for some of the actions he has taken and we listened to that.”
“I would say he did come across as someone who believed that he was doing something that was in the interest of the people and I think you would expect that from him. However, we also reiterated the point that there is a reality out here of an increasing number of people who are very disgusted with things and they are very frustrated and you cannot take that lightly either.”
“That’s the sense in which I think we would have left the meeting, a strong sense in which there is no alternative. However, a salient point was made in that meeting which I think must get out there because as church leaders, people must understand are as concerned as anyone else and are not blind to a lot of the issues as well. But a salient point was made and that is no matter who we are we are called upon to constantly revisit our conscience and to keep asking ourselves and be willing and strong enough to change our mind if, especially if our conscience is telling us that that may not be the best way. So we didn’t end without making that salient point that leadership also involves sometimes making changes, even changing your mind.”
