- Norman GrindleyThe St. Jago de La Vega Cathedral in Spanish Town is reputed to be the oldest church in the island. Constructed before 1701, its soaring architecture has influenced hundreds of churches and fellowship halls which now dominate the landscape.
Avia Ustanny, Freelance Writer
THERE IS a church around every corner. The denominational fragmentation in this island which is said to have the highest number of churches per capita (and growing daily) is remarkable. In modern Jamaica, tents pop up on every corner as each group, self-appointed or not, centralised or not, pursue their mandate of fishing for men.
The religious activities practised among so many groups represents, perhaps, a psychosis of self-expression, as each group demands an exclusive right to dominate the podium having cornered the truth of the Christian gospel.
Today, as the groups grow exponentially, some blame the corrupting influence of the west -- an individualist, entrepreneurial spirit.
"Democracy has taken over from authority. It is about what is best for me," said one member of the Church of God.
But, what appears to be a sort of religious schizophrenia in Jamaica becomes clearer under the searchlight of history.
This week, we revisit the past and see why an Afro-centric religious orientation has been evident in so many groups. We will also find the roots for the missionary zeal which still manifests itself today and results in more and more churches opening their doors.
African retentions have had a definite impact. So has the history of enslavement. Even today, many Jamaicans do not take kindly to centralised authority. They have pursued their own religious, Christian creations, with the confidence that Christ came to set them free and "If your conscience sets you free, you are free indeed."
Still, the church remains an influential institution and a source of social unity and even development.
Many denominations have "answered the call" to serve and to provide for the needs of their congregation and community. With this orientation, each new church is able to find, support and add new converts to their cause.
REBABILITATION
THE BETHEL Baptist Church has developed a "Special care" rehabilitation ministry to persons who are bereaved, shut-in, mentally ill, HIV-positive or otherwise disabled by strokes, joint disease, blindness and other effects of chronic illnesses. A strong emphasis is placed on health promotion through counselling, fostering activity, stimulation, social interaction, healthy nutrition, medication compliance, health monitoring, regular outings, visits and spiritual care. Members in communities surrounding the Mona Baptist Church are visited regularly. Persons experiencing crises and disasters such as fire and injury, receive practical as well as spiritual ministry. Problems of potential community violence are dealt with through conflict-resolution education and "rap sessions" for youth clubs.
The Meadowbrook United Church focuses on empowering the under-trained and unemployed through training in job skills, literacy and homemaking.
At the bakery of the North Street United Church persons are trained to make wholewheat bread and other products for children in their day care centre and for community members. There is a homework centre for adolescents. Dr Allen observes: "True human development comes from seeking justice and enabling positive behavioural change."
