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'Christian Council chose not to be associated with FSN'- Judith M. Charles

- Only one church still supports the network annually
Listeners to Honestly Speaking with Claude O. Skelton-Cline, left, on ZBVI 780 AM on Tuesday March 6, 2018 were told by the Chairwoman of the Board of Directors, Ms Judith M. Charles, right, that 'When FSN was first incorporated, we were incorporated under the umbrella of the Christian Council. We are no longer incorporated under the Christian Council, they chose not to be associated.' Photo: Facebook
Family Support Network was adversely affected by the 2017 hurricanes but continues to receive support from groups and individuals. Photo: Facebook
Family Support Network was adversely affected by the 2017 hurricanes but continues to receive support from groups and individuals. Photo: Facebook
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- We have all heard the biblical story of the Good Samaritan and how we should be our brother's keeper and one would think that the churches in the Virgin Islands would see the Family Support Network (FSN) as a perfect avenue to exercise that biblical teaching.

This is; however, not the case as the FSN recently stated it is not associated with the BVI Christian Council, since the council told it "you could go."

Listeners to Honestly Speaking with Claude O. Skelton-Cline on ZBVI 780 AM on Tuesday March 6, 2018 were told by the Chairwoman of the Board of Directors, Ms Judith M. Charles, “When FSN was first incorporated, we were incorporated under the umbrella of the Christian Council. We are no longer incorporated under the Christian Council, they chose not to be associated.”

This was a serious financial blow to the network since under the council each church contributed annually to FSN. “When we were formed under the Christian council, the churches would contribute 1000 a year and they decided not to do that anymore, they decided not to be a part of FSN,” Ms Charles said.

Not only did they decide not to be associated with FSN but no reason was given. According to Ms Charles, they simply said “You could go...They are no longer our guarantors,” Ms Charles stated.

With all the struggles and needs of the network, the Christian Council has still not seen it fit to ‘mend bridges’ with FSN. However, Ms Charles added that “There is one church that does give us annually, which was in the initial organisation.”

The Christian Council

Meanwhile, according to the President if the BVI Christian Council, Bishop John I Cline, the council is now resuscitated and is working to be a voice for the people. It was in December 2017 that the resuscitation took place with Bishop Cline being asked to lead for the year.

The body is made up of the Methodist, Catholic and Anglican churches, the New Testament Church of God International Worship Centre, the Church of God of Prophecy, New Life Baptist Church and the Moravian church in the VI.

“We have pulled together these group of pastors who have endeavoured to make an impact and make a change in the social, political and spiritual landscape of the VI,” Bishop Cline stated in an interview with Mr Skelton- Cline on his show aired Tuesday February 20, 2018.

While it is unclear if support for the FSN is on the list of social impacts for the new council, it is clear that they have political impacts high on the agenda since they had scheduled a meeting with the Recovery Team in February and requested a meeting with the Premier, Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL) as well.

While some may argue that there seems to be a shift in focus for the council, President Cline had stated that the people not being heard by their government is a big concern to the council. “The Churches on board are engaged and they are not afraid to speak truth to power,” Bishop Cline had stated

Support for the Network

There are many organisations and individuals that have continued to support the work of the Family Support Network. The government, Mrs BVI World Organisation and recently Leader of the Opposition Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) and First District residents have all contributed. Persons wishing to donate cash or kind can do so by contacting Ms Charles on 544-9988.

19 Responses to “'Christian Council chose not to be associated with FSN'- Judith M. Charles”

  • wow (12/03/2018, 10:27) Like (20) Dislike (2) Reply
    That's a shame on this so called Christian Council. If one cannot turn to them for assistance in helping others. It's rather unfortunate how most of these Leaders in some churches has made the out come of drawing nearer to God a money making affair! We all know Offerings and Tithes are being collected which would gear towards building upkeep. So it's time for these church leaders render service to the needy and stop outreaching from where to get money! I never heard of Jesus being paid when he was teaching the Gospel, but rather in turn red the multitude of people that had followed him.
  • Local (12/03/2018, 10:38) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    this show does be hot mehson
  • NezRez (12/03/2018, 10:50) Like (12) Dislike (1) Reply
    This story is confusing. If FSN is under the umbrella of the Christian Council, and was incorporated, isn’t that a legal contract they had? How could they just tell them to go? FSN is for the good of helping families and rallies against abuse. If each church pledged $1000 per year, how could they take it away, when that is their means of support. The FSN must show they are an honest network and the Churches must trust the FSN is doing the right thing. I would think this would be the agency most supported by people of God, what could have happened?
    I hope this gets cleared up real soon. Happy Pastor Cline is still helping and hopefully get others to support this much much needed Network again.
    • @NezRez (12/03/2018, 14:44) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      The only congregation that still gives annual support is St. Paul's Episcopal (Anglican) Church in Sea Cow's Bay.
  • Tithe (12/03/2018, 11:35) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    I will give part of my tithe to FSN....post your mailing address please.
  • tretretrete (12/03/2018, 12:53) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    The only church that gives is St. Paul’s Anglican Church
  • Itiswritten (12/03/2018, 12:55) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    It is impossible to merge the teachings of the true Church with those of any other organization or even those of the Government because of its unique difference. Unfortunately this is the case here some of our so call Pastors are willing to stand up and say what the bible teaches about certain matters because they prefer to honor man rather than God. Persons from none Christian denorminations are willing to die for what they believe whether the masses believe the same thing they do or not. Again I will say the Christian Church leaders prefer to please man rather than God . They are so afraid to "lay down their life for the gospel".
  • The Time Is Now (12/03/2018, 14:24) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    Oil and Water don't mix without something to bring them together, called an emulsifier. The teachings of Jesus Christ is the emulsifier between the Church and the secular world. Being a part of the FSN was/is a golden opportunity for Christians to help lost, downtrodden, oppressed and abused souls. Not only with their money, but with time and talent as members of the church could volunteer to help with Christian counseling, mentoring, and assisting the organisation with its day to day affairs. There is no hope without God. As much as some of these noose think they can make it on money alone, if everybody contribute financially, the people they help not getting any solid foundation of godly principles so they can thrive spiritually after FSN help them out with a little food or clothes or temporary sheater. Theyou will need something more than that. They need to know the Good News of Salvation. They need your know about God's love...true love. The churches need to reconsider and get a new arrangement with FSN. Don't just give money, but be an active force and do God's work in serving humanity. FSN should welcome a greater involvement of the church in their mission to help people who are hurting. No one pastor need have the monopoly on spiritual matters in the community. All people of God are qualified to serve God in some way.
  • Rubber Duck (12/03/2018, 15:30) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    Its about time people dropped this superstitious nonsense, stopped asking how many angels can dance on a pin head and got out and did some good.
  • helping the (12/03/2018, 15:31) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    lost destitute and all in the community is a part of Christ work while on earth pls continue to help in whatever way we can it will sure go a long way. God hasn't given up on us so we must no give up on others.Pls pls pls continue giving the assistance to FSN.
  • jah (12/03/2018, 17:22) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
    Jah Fire burning. The Doctor refuse to tend to the sick..That's our answer to our problems. The fire getting hotter..
  • Lord o (12/03/2018, 17:33) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    3 classes of Christians.. the celebrity ones that gets big pay and live large.. The Middle class ones that put their best clothes on on Sundays and gives the big fat envelopes and get special treatment.. The lower class ones that goes to church with their tides hoping that their basic daily needs will be met. Just a reflection of society no difference..
  • Black Silk (12/03/2018, 21:48) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    I often wonder how many of FSN clients actually give back. I get the impression that they seek refuge, get many of their needs met when they are there but never look back nor help financially after they leave. Would be good to know whether they or their families generally give back of their time and money.
    • time will tell (14/03/2018, 13:35) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I agree with your comment and some will be offended by my next comment as well, but if the truth be told, how many go to the FSN pretending to need help? How many live above their means and then suck the FSN titi nipple to get by, putting an unnecessary strain on the organization. How were the needs assessed and by whom? There has got to be more to the story than just this one side claiming abandonment. There has got to be a reason for such a collective decision to be taken.
  • Boo (12/03/2018, 22:48) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Christian Council is political pressure group now?
    • @ Boo (13/03/2018, 00:26) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
      that is not a bad thing as the wicked NDP needs to be pressured OUT OF OFFCIE
  • BoSang (13/03/2018, 09:14) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Too much unaccounted for funds missing from this gang.
    • who knows better (14/03/2018, 02:44) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      @ BoSangi you hit the nail on its head-too much unaccounted funds. What you expect was going on.there? My payments were never accounted for even when I reported.


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