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The national lottery proposed by the Free National Movement has brought strong opposition from the Bahamas Christian Council. The council’s position is clear that it opposes gambling in all forms.

But where was that same level of response when Sebas Bastian, one of the most prominent figures in the gaming industry, stepped into frontline politics?

When Bastian, the CEO of Island Luck, was ratified as a candidate for the Progressive Liberal Party, in November last year, the moment carried weight. It represented not just a business leader entering politics, but a direct link between a major gaming operator and policymaking.

At the time, the response from church leadership and the council was measured, even cautious. Its president, Bishop Delton Fernander, warned against placing the church in direct conflict with politics during an election season. He stopped short of offering a personal view, emphasizing instead that any position should reflect a broader consensus among churches.

“I think it’s dangerous to try to put the church against politics, especially in political season, but what we say has to be from the majority of the churches,” Bishop Fernander told the Tribune, declining to give a personal view.

That restraint is now in contrast to the firm opposition being voiced against the Free National Movement proposal to introduce a national lottery.

The difference in tone raises a broader issue about when that opposition is expressed.

Is the concern rooted purely in the expansion of gambling, or does it also extend to the growing influence of the industry within politics itself?

To be clear, the situations are not identical. One is a policy proposal that could expand state involvement in gaming and the other is an individual entering public life. But both exist within the same ecosystem, where gambling, money, and influence intersect.

In a country where web shops are already deeply embedded in daily life, the debate is no longer theoretical. It is about reality, influence, and consistency.

Silence, especially on issues tied to principle, can shape public perception just as much as strong statements.

Every part of the gambling conversation should be addressed equally.

Some congregants of the Church of God denomination in the Bahamas have died and others remain in the hospital after being infected with COVID-19 at a superspreader event.

Reports say the pentecostal denomination held a Youth Conclave at its William Johnson Auditorium earlier in the month, where all of its church branches attended.

The event became a hotspot for the infectious disease, which resulted in the spread among its congregants, which ultimately caused the closure of its branches for two weeks.

Vision of Hope Church of God in Yamacraw bore the brunt of infections. Reports say the church has since seen five deaths in its church as others are hospitalized at the Princess Margaret Hospital.

Other infections remain among its varied branches.

Its Administrative Bishop Moses Johnson has said nothing publicly on the matter, except to post to social media stating “The Church of God Bahamas is praying for COVID-19 patients, covering the Church of God family and all health care workers.”

Prime Minister Hubert Minnis has since limited worship service times in the country to one hour with 33% occupancy.

President of the Bahamas Christian Council Bishop Delton Fernander and Pastor of Mount Tabor Neil Ellis have criticized the measure stating that government should not dictate to the church the number of hours spent at a facility.

Health officials reported 132 new cases on Thursday, and 88 new cases were reported on Wednesday. There are presently 1723 active cases in the country.

Photo credit: Taken from social media, showing the congregation at its 66th Annual Youth Conclave