THE EDITOR, Sir:
A FEW weeks ago a new church opened its doors in Galina, St. Mary. The church is of the Seventh-Day Adventist denomination.
Ever since then they have performed their services with the use of a loud amplification system. They generally start by playing music from about 4 pm to 7:30 pm, then the minister takes over. I live approximately 1/2 mile away from this church, and the noise they generate is intrusive even at that distance.
It is my understanding that a church is a meeting place of Christians, who conduct themselves in accordance with the teachings of Jesus. However, when I approached them one evening there were only three people in the church and I had to shout above the loud music to make myself heard. Despite my explaining to them their unChristianlike behaviour it had no effect. The person I was speaking to actually said that they had to make everybody in the area hear the word of God and bring them to their church as they have only a small congregation!
I am a Christian. To be a Christian means to show love, respect and consideration to all people. A Christian will not force the word of God on to people who do not wish to hear it, or in such a manner as to cause a nuisance to other people.
Titus 2:7: In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned..."
Romans 13:3 states, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgement on themselves.
This country has passed an Act known as the Noise Abatement Act, 1997. This Act is in full harmony with the teachings of Jesus. By rebelling against this Act, this church is rebelling against God.
I rang Port Maria Police Station at approximately 8 pm, after having put up with four hours of noise from this church and after having approached them to request that they moderate the noise.
I was somewhat surprised to hear the officer I spoke to tell me that as this was a church there was nothing he could do about it. The church, according to him, is allowed to have their meeting, despite the fact that they are making excessive noise and causing a nuisance. The only compromise he offered was that if this disturbance carried on late into the night.
How, if the church is conducting itself in such a manner, can we expect the citizens of this country to act otherwise? I feel that we have a right to a better standard of living. We have the right to choose whether we wish to hear the word of God or not. Even Jesus tells us this.
It is incumbent upon the church to act in a Christian manner and to abide by the authority of the land. Failure to do so is to set a bad example to the people of the country, with the resultant despair of those people who are true Christians and see the damage these churches are doing.
I am etc.,
W.J. AGNEW
Galina
St. Mary
Via Go-Jamaica
