The Rt. Rev’d Laish Boyd, Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of The Bahamas and Turks & Caicos Islands, called on attendants at a church service to mark the Opening of the Legal Year to view their jobs as service to their nation.

“It’s not just about earning a salary. It’s about serving,” said Bishop Boyd. He admonished the congregation to adjust their perspective, and focus on service.

The ceremony, which is held annually to invoke God’s presence at the beginning of each year, was held at Christ Church Cathedral on Wednesday, January 11, 2017. It was attended by Chief Justice Sir Hartman Longley, Dame Anita Allen, President of the Court of Appeal; other justices of the Court of Appeal; justices of the Supreme Court; Senator the Hon. Allyson Maynard-Gibson, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs; registrars, magistrates and members of the legal profession.

In his sermon, Bishop Boyd referred to the Old Testament reading taken from the book of Micah which focused on doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly before God.

“It’s not enough to yearn, talk about or complain. The concept calls for us to do something: fight for equality, struggle to level the playing field,” he said.

He encouraged the congregation to return to the principals of respect, faithfulness, loving kindness, which made The Bahamas a better place and Bahamians who they are.

Moreover, Bishop Boyd urged those gathered to live in community with God by walking carefully and circumspectly with Him. “Focus on being who God wants you to be first and then on doing all you can to do justice, love kindness and walk humbly before God,” he said.

Rt. Rev'd Bishop Laish Boyd delivers the sermon at the service to mark the opening of the Legal Year.

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By Kathryn Campbell

Bahamas Information Services