In a significant move to fortify institutional collaboration, Belizean religious leaders convened with government officials in Belize City on February 20, 2026, for a ministerial retreat focused on enhancing church-state cooperation. The event, orchestrated by the Ministry of Religious Affairs under the leadership of Minister Dr. Louis Zabaneh and CEO Chester Williams, brought together diverse faith representatives to establish a framework for addressing national challenges through unified action.
Minister Zabaneh emphasized the established foundation guiding their collaborative efforts in both public and private spheres, particularly regarding nation-building objectives. “I look forward to us continuing to define and prioritize those special areas that we need to work on together,” Zabaneh stated, highlighting the progressive nature of this governmental partnership with religious institutions.
Archbishop Philip Wright, President of the Belize Council of Churches, articulated the complementary roles of religious and governmental entities, asserting that “the church’s role in society has never been to replace the state, nor to compete with it.” Instead, Wright emphasized the church’s mission to foster community connections, uphold human dignity, and advocate for truth with compassion, while acknowledging the state’s responsibility to ensure justice, peace, and protection for vulnerable populations.
CEO Chester Williams presented a nuanced perspective on religious inclusion, recognizing Belize’s Christian foundation while advocating for broader representation. “As a government, we represent everybody, and not just a fraction of society,” Williams noted, emphasizing the need to balance Christian traditions with the rights and perspectives of non-Christian communities.
Reverend Lloyd Stanford of the Belize Association of Evangelical Churches highlighted the ongoing pursuit of unity despite doctrinal differences, expressing hope that the forum would enhance understanding of societal challenges. The retreat concluded with reinforced commitments to ongoing dialogue and a clearer roadmap for collaborative action between religious and governmental entities for the nation’s benefit.