THE EDITOR, Sir:
PERMIT ME to rise in defence of Madam Prime Minister when she recently told the Christian community that she was appointed by God, and that Christians have a duty to support her.
First of all, this statement should not be taken out of context of the prime minister's inaugural prayer where she acknowledges that her elevation to the office of prime minister is "an affirmation of my devotion to you (GOD) and all the people of this nation".
Secondly, it is connected with her experience of being the 'underdog' during the PNP's presidential elections where it was alleged that some delegates were bribed to vote for another candidate, but instead voted for her. She therefore understood her appointment as a miracle of God, which anyone of faith would understand and do.
DUTY TO PERFORM
Thirdly, Christians do have a duty to perform for those in authority, and this is expressed in the epistle to 2 Timothy: "My advice is that, first of all, there should be prayers offered for everyone - petitions, intercessions and thanksgiving - and especially for kings and others in authority, so that we may be able to live religious and reverent lives in peace and quiet."
This support has always been the practice of Anglicans when they meet to celebrate the liturgy and prayers for our leaders and those in authority "that they may serve justice and promote the freedom and dignity of all peoples" (BCP: 109).
Fourthly, we can learn from the corporate mind of the Anglican Communion expressed at the Lambeth Conference of 1948 which makes it very clear that the state is a positive institution "under the moral law of God, and is intended by God to be an instrument for human welfare".
ACCEPTING POLITICAL RESPONSIBILITY
Christians are expected to "accept their own political responsibility and to cooperate with the state and its officers in their work". Since the state is ordained by God, and it is the duty of its citizens, especially church members, to be involved, the Church believes that "the function of the state is to govern people so that they may live together peaceably for the good of all in this life". This belief is based on the principle that the society "rests upon the fact that every human being whether he/she knows it or not is a child of God". Being a child of God implies brotherhood - a community of people linked by a common interest.
Finally, the validity of brotherhood is tested by the various concerns that face our Jamaican situation, the form of political governance, human rights, access to education, economic growth, prosperity and improved quality of life for all. These concerns affect all races, classes or creeds, and cannot be solved by denigrating human life.
I am, etc.,
DUDLEY C. McLEAN II
Editor, Anglican Life
