7 News Belize

Remembering The Canon
posted (June 26, 2023)
Canon Leroy Flowers passed away last night at the KHMH - after a period of illness. The 74 year old was one of the most senior figures in the Belize's Anglican Church - and he was also one fo the most visible.

And that visibility was gained by years on the frontline - of almost every social cause - from gang violence to sex education. Indeed, Father Flowers was fearless - he turned the word into action - as a frontline fighter for almost any righteous social justice causes.

Today we discussed his legacy and what made him unique with his granddaughter, Avianne Flowers:

Voice of: Avianne Flowers, Canon Flowers' Eldest Granddaughter
"My grandad, he periodize both God and his family. He recognized the importance of creating that strong and loving family, but he as you guys know dedicated himself to living a life that was guided by his faith. He pushed us to challenge ourselves, to try hard things, to ask the hard questions and it's the same thing he asks of the parishioners. So, as a family man, as a man of God, he always led by example."

Jules Vasquez
"What do you remember about the style of his sermons and what is your recollection of that?"

Voice of: Avianne Flowers, Canon Flowers' Eldest Granddaughter
"The conversation earlier today was, he was not afraid to mash your corn. MY grandfather was a dynamic public speaker. He could hold a crowd, but he made it a point to address the important issues here in our community whether political, social - it did not matter. Even if it was polarizing, even if his opinion was in the minority."

"In my opinion he used his pulpit as the base for his advocacy, for social justice and for equality. But at the end of the day, he had to make sure that his message was relatable to everyone."

"He will always be remembered for his fierce commitment to advocating for the vulnerable and the underserved in our community. That is something he found very passionately about."

Jules Vasquez
"Where did this sense of commitment and courage comes from?"

Voice of: Avianne Flowers, Canon Flowers' Eldest Granddaughter
"I think a combination of things. When he was young, he lost his mom very early in life. he is a Belize City man, black man, grew up on southside Belize, but he developed a strong phase and not just talk it, but walking the walk, living a Christian life. I mean the love he had for the people of Belize, I think he left him with no choice but to be outspoken and to say the quiet things that the rest of us are not so keen about speaking up on."

Canon Flowers started his ministry at St Marys in 1975. In total, he served 36 years at St Francis Anglican in Boom and 32 years at St Mary's.

This evening, Minister of Religious Affairs and Fort George Area Rep, Henry Charles Usher issued a statement saying, quote, "Canon Leroy Flowers has left an indelible mark on the lives of countless individuals. He guided his people with wisdom, compassion, and unwavering faith."

Canon Leroy Flowers, dead at 74. He was the father of 6 biological children and two adopted.

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