Bishop Browne Calls for End to Sunday Scheduling of National Independence Food Fair

Bishop Charlesworth E. Browne has urged organisers of Antigua and Barbuda’s Independence celebrations to reconsider how national events are scheduled, warning that religious observance should not be sacrificed for convenience.

The religious leader has taken issue with the decision to stage this year’s National Independence Food Fair on Sunday, October 25, arguing that the annual celebration should not interfere with a day traditionally reserved for worship by many Christians.

Browne, who leads Kingdom Leaders, Antigua, said the scheduling decision sparked disappointment among church leaders and members of the Christian community after the official calendar of Independence activities was released.

Speaking to Observer Media, he said the concerns extended across generations and included both ordained ministers and lay members of the church.

“Recently, as the calendar of events were placed before the general public, here in Antigua and Barbuda, many church leaders, both ordained and lay – old and young, who embrace the sacredness of rest and worship on the Lord’s Day, expressed unbridled dismay at the National/Independence Food Fair being hosted on a Sunday – Sunday 25th October, 2026.”

The bishop said his organisation had joined others in calling for the event to be moved to another date, although he acknowledged that the request came late in the planning process.

He maintained, however, that the timing of the objection did not diminish the importance of the concerns being raised.

“Kingdom Leaders, Antigua, like many in the larger Christian community, called for an immediate rescheduling of this year’s National Food Fair. The lateness of that call still does not affect the major issue. In any case, never again on the Lord’s Day!”

While much of his criticism centred on Sunday worship, Browne also urged national event planners to recognise the religious practices of other denominations, including Seventh-day Adventists, who observe Saturday as their Sabbath.

He argued that greater consideration should be given to established worship days when scheduling major national activities and called for an alternative date to be identified for future Independence Food Fairs.

Beyond the scheduling controversy, Browne used the opportunity to raise broader concerns about the country's commitment to Christian principles.

He questioned whether occasional national prayer gatherings and thanksgiving services were sufficient to address the social and spiritual challenges facing Antigua and Barbuda.

“Truth be told, there is no quick fix by way of a National Day of Prayer nor by way of punctuated National Services of Thanksgiving and the like – there must be a call for consistency in consecration.”

According to Browne, genuine religious commitment requires consistency and a willingness to make sacrifices, even when doing so may be inconvenient or unpopular.

He said that principle should also guide decisions surrounding national celebrations, particularly when those activities conflict with religious observance.

“Today, in this awesome work of shepherding God’s people, I choose consecration over convenience in all things. In this case, the convenience of hosting a National Food Fair on a Sunday must resolutely give way to consecration. Selah.”

His appeal places renewed attention on the scheduling of national celebrations and whether future Independence programmes should make greater allowances for the religious practices of different communities.

This story was adapted from original reporting by Azara Lavia of the Antigua Observer by NewsCo.