radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt
Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of T&T Rev Joy Abdul-Mohan has expressed her support for President-elect Christine Kangaloo, describing her as an independent thinker. She said Kangaloo is “strong, assertive and independent-minded.”
“When we think about the women in the Presbyterian Church of T&T, their assertiveness and critical thinking, Christine Kangaloo is no different,” Abdul-Mohan said.
She said many Presbyterian women, including Dr Anna Mahase, Jean Bahadur and former COP political leader Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan, had distinguished themselves.
“They are all independent thinkers and we are grateful that God has called them to serve in public life,” Abdul-Mohan said.
She added that the new President will use her Presbyterian faith as a strong Christian woman to guide her decisions.
The Presbyterian Moderator said Kangaloo was often invited to attend church-related functions when she served as Minister of Tertiary Education, Minister of Legal Affairs and even President of the Senate.
“When she was given a topic to speak on, she zeroed in on that topic, never including her political philosophy. She spoke on children, education and women. She shared her experience as a woman going through health challenges, the death of her dear brother Justice Wendell Kangaloo and her words resonated with the women as she spoke of her life,” Abdul-Mohan said.
She added that Kangaloo was fit to serve at any level, and praised her for her humility.
“I am confident that she will think clearly when making decisions in the interest of God’s people. She will put her faith in all decision-making so her actions will express her independent thinking and her love for God and God’s people,” she said.
Abdul-Mohan, who officiated at Kangaloo’s wedding, said: “Christine’s family belongs to the Presbyterian Church and while as a minister, I visited the family, had prayer meetings and there was always that simplicity, a level of humility among them.”
She said despite being regarded as a family of stature, they always acted humbly.
“It’s part of our journey of faith as ministers to provide pastoral care at the level of membership. We feel proud of her and we are grateful that God can call on us to serve. We are grateful that God can use women as instruments of justice and equity,” she said.