His
Excellency, President Adama Barrow today received in audience members of The
Gambia Christian Council who expressed delight at the efforts being made by the
government to safeguard the dignity and protect the fundamental democratic
rights of the Gambian people.
‘‘We
do appreciate the attempts being made by your government to facilitate the
dignity of all within our borders and empowering our beloved people to decide
on matters that affect them’’, said the Chairman of the Gambia Christian
Council, Most Rev. James Allen Yam Odico, who led the delegation to the State
House in Banjul.
The
council called on the Head of State, on behalf of the entire Christian
community, to extend seasonal greetings as well as offer prayers for him and
the country at large on the occasions of the Holy Christmas and the advent of
the New Year. While assuring the President that they would continue to stand by
his government in strengthening coexistence, religious freedom, and human
rights, the Chair said the council was aware and would like to truly appreciate
the efforts of the government to cater for the needs of the Christians
community.
In
his welcoming remarks, President Barrow acknowledged the various contributions
of the Christian community in the development of the country, stressing that
his government is committed to promoting religious tolerance and secularism in
the country. He called for the preservation of the admirable mutual respect,
trust and unity among different religious groups.
The
President commended the council for its stance during the political impasse in
the aftermath of the 2016 presidential elections. He described the visit of the
council as a vote of confidence in his government while stating that religious
leaders have a paramount role to play in upholding peace and unity in the country.
