00:00A people once persecuted for their religious beliefs, including for their style of worship,
00:06proudly celebrating their freedom.
00:08In fact, 75 years of it through the repealing of the shelter's prohibition ordinance.
00:14This was portrayed through a play at the launch.
00:17They're disturbing the peace.
00:18We need to go and lock them up.
00:21Yeah?
00:22Right away.
00:28Officer, what is it?
00:30Watch, look, look.
00:32Illegal assembling to worship.
00:35Their liberation, celebrated through a week of activities at their own state-given land in Balmaincouva,
00:42where the Spiritual Baptist Administrative Complex stands.
00:46The call to the community.
00:48This is the place to be to celebrate liberation.
00:51I want to also mention to people that what we have done here tonight,
00:55it is not solely the property of the National Council or, you know, the Congress,
01:02but it is for all Spiritual Baptists throughout the entire...
01:06Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!
01:07So our doors are open to everyone.
01:11Opposition leader Penelope Beckles attended the ceremony along with PNM's Senator Foster Cummings,
01:16who is a member of the faith.
01:18It was under the former Dr. Keith Rowley-led PNM administration that this group was given the land,
01:24as well as funding to develop a headquarters for themselves.
01:28Construction work continues with plans for a cathedral that is set to be built.
01:33Head of the National Evangelical Spiritual Baptist Faith, Archbishop Glenroy Jack,
01:38was invited to cut the ribbon to officially open the week of activities.
01:42Last year we would have done it with some children,
01:45but this year we want to show the unity in Jesus Almighty.
02:03And as they mark their diamond jubilee,
02:06Spiritual Baptists are being encouraged to take ownership of their faith.
02:10As Spiritual Baptists, be proud to announce that.
02:14Let people know that you are an elect of God.
02:17And whenever this question is asked, whether or not we are divided,
02:21tell them no.
02:23There is one place that can keep all of us.
02:26And according to the scriptures, there is a diversity of gifts,
02:30but all to the same said spirit.
02:32People in the faith are also being urged to move forward in love and unity.
02:36It is also now 30 years that Spiritual Baptists have their own holiday,
02:42another reason for celebration for them.
02:45Alicia Boucher, TV6 News.
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