THE EDITOR, Sir:THE STATE of things in Jamaica today poses new and varied challenges for the Church. In recent times we've heard of the increase of crime and violence perpetuated not only by the so-called dons and other undesirables, but ever so often the police, in their efforts to reduce crime, are often guilty of crime. We've heard of incidents such as Kraal, Flankers in Montego Bay, and other instances where the police have not conducted themselves professionally.
I have often heard the notion that too much blame is being levied on the police with little or no consideration given to the kind of pressure they undergo while carrying out their duties. We all agree that policemen conduct their jobs under sometimes extreme pressure and stressful circumstances, and we must of necessity credit the decent hardworking, law-abiding and committed policemen for the work they do. But similarly when a trained professional police officer behaves inappropriately, such as the incident in Flankers, Montego Bay, the appropriate steps should be taken to bring these officers to justice. The law is not for some, the law is for everyone, even lawmen.
In addition to the crime and violence we cannot ignore the socio-economic factors, which hang over Jamaica like the sword of Damocles. It is the proliferation of these and other problems, which has led to the question, what is the Church doing? On a recent talk show the question was mooted, should the Church be taxed, and some of the answers given as to why the Church should be taxed revealed in no uncertain terms the attitude of some people towards the Church.
On another talk show the question is probably being asked just about every day. As to the motive for asking this question I am not sure but I am of the opinion that they are either anti-eclectic, or they are not aware of the role of the Church in the world. As a minister of the gospel I will attempt to clarify the role of the church.
When the Master came to this world he opened his ministry with the manifesto "The spirit of the Lord is upon me because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor, he hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord." Luke 4:18.
At the close of His ministry, the Master gave a similar command, "Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you and lo I am with you always even unto the end of the world" Matt. 28:19.
I would ask those who beg the question, what is the Church doing to kindly visit my vestry on any given Wednesday morning and see for yourself what the church is doing in counselling, and creating hope for hundreds of people.
If the question means to taking an active part in politics, this is where the church must move cautiously, the Master himself asserted, "My kingdom is not of this world" John 18:26 and again "Render unto Caesar's the things that are Caesar's and unto God the things that are God's". Matt. 22:21. Politics and eclectics are as diverse from each other as the east is from the west, and any attempt to agglutinate Church and State can only result in unforeseen negative consequences. Those who refute this should calmly search the pages of history and if still not convinced, the greatest friend of truth is time.
The role of the State is to safeguard the rights of life, liberty, justice and happiness for all, and these should be secured by any means. On the other hand the Church is God's appointed agency for the salvation of men, and of such should formidably challenge the forces of evil, such as crime, corruption, poverty, sexual immorality, and other evil forces. Make no mistake, this is being done, either on the pulpit, off the pulpit or through our established organisations.
It is not fair to ask, what is the Church doing, on the contrary, what is the Church not doing?
I am, etc.
PASTOR GARFIELD MANDERSON
Hart Hill
Buff Bay
