Anthea McGibbon, Religion Feature Co-ordinator
'SALVATION through Jesus Christ' is the underlying belief that defines a Christian church. On this basis, it is anyone's guess why there is a necessity for so many denominations, and further, why church groups are not more united.' In Jamaica, there are on record, over 500 denominations. The reason most offered is the never-ending search for the true Christian church.
Recently the minister of one newly-formed church declared that in his former church there were "too many hypocrites." Another claimed that "the pastor was being worshipped by a devil-possessed congregation." And the reasons go on.
The Concise Oxford Dictionary defines a church as: 1. a building used for public Christian worship, and, 2. a particular Christian organisation with its own distinctive doctrines.
A denomination is a recognised autonomous branch of a church or religion.
In the weeks to come, The Sunday Gleaner will introduce a new feature that highlights the denominations that presently exist in Jamaica.
Some of the popular ones are: Catholic, Apostolic, Wesleyan, Anglican, Moravian, Presbyterian, Pentecostal, Baptist, Methodist, African Episcopal.
We welcome your feedback, particularly on the history and formation of your denomination.
To participate, or submit your church for a feature please call 922-3400-9 ext. 6223/6259. Write to 7 North Street, Kingston, Jamaica. Email us at: religion@gleanerjm.com
