The Free National Movement (FNM) has instituted a policy for its members to attend church services on a more consistent basis, according to the party’s leader Dr. Hubert Minnis.
Despite those who claim that FNM members are not church going, Dr. Minnis refuted such accusations yesterday while paying a courtesy call yesterday on Roman Catholic Archbishop Patrick Pinder.
While he commented that the FNM has always had a close relationship with the church, Dr. Minnis said the party wants to further strengthen its affiliation.
“We would have heard rumbles within society,” Dr. Minnis said. “We’ve instituted a policy where in addition to individuals within the Free National Movement (FNM) attending their church services regularly, the FNM itself would visit various different churches quarterly.”
“That would be a part of our building relationships and closer bonds with the church and giving us an even better opportunity to see what problems we may face in society and try to improve them and work closely with the church in dealing with those matters.”
The Opposition leader along with St. Anne’s MP Hubert Chipman met with Archbishop Pinder at the Catholic Diocesan Office.
During their brief meeting, Dr. Minnis acknowledged the pivotal role the Catholic Church plays in the community and pledged the Opposition’s continued support.
Archbishop Pinder noted that the Catholic community recognises its role in society which is why it continues to engage in education and other social programmes for the benefit of developing the community.
He reminded the Opposition to do the same.
As for the selection of a candidate to contest the pending North Abaco bye-election, Dr. Minnis did not give a definite date as to when the candidate will be chosen.
“We have not set any meeting yet, in terms of meeting with the council and executives. After those meetings are done with, then one particular candidate would be selected,” Dr. Minnis said.
He also noted that the decision does not lay with just one person, but rather goes through a process.
Meantime, Dr. Minnis also refused to comment on allegations of infighting within his party, simply stating, “I do not discuss internal issues.”
