THE EDITOR, Sir:
I HAVE noticed the feedback that the Prime Minister has got from being public with her Christian faith and for deciding that members of the church, pastors and laity should be involved on state boards to ensure probity. The response in the media has been largely overwhelming and negative. I see persons purporting that it is not good to try to join the Church and state. Many persons seem to feel that the Prime Minister should keep her faith private. They seem to feel that her faith should not relate to her style of governance.
My question is, who determines that this must be so? Is it so stated in the Jamaican Constitution, or are we following what the developed nations have decided to do? Has it worked for the U.S.A.?
BELIEF IS THE BEDROCK
Isn't it true to say that the way we behave is determined by our belief system? We all believe in something, and that belief is the bedrock upon which we build our actions. If the Prime Minister believes in the Lord Jesus Christ and follows his principles, wouldn't this belief define who she is and thereby determine how she acts? How can she then be expected to behave otherwise than as a Christian who is devoted to live in obedience to Jesus Christ? Have we as a country now become so secular humanist in our orientation that we cannot appreciate her expressed faith?
We are one of the few countries in the world who acknowledges its belief in God in its national anthem. Are we now denying that we publicly seek God's guidance every time we sing that anthem? If the Prime Minister cannot be free to say publicly that she is seeking God's guidance, then neither should we sing it.
CHURCH FITS CRITERIA
On the matter of the Prime Minister deciding that each state board should include pastors or other members of the laity of the church for probity - if in this country where we hear cries of corruption all around us, which other body exists in this country from which the Government could draw upon persons who would fit the category of persons needed to fulfil the requirement of honesty and integrity than the church?
I agree that not all pastors or church members fit this category, but certainly there is not a larger body that exists within which you would be able to find such persons. Therefore, I agree with the Prime Minister that such persons should be drawn from the church. I am sure persons suggested would have to go through a process of investigation to ensure that they do meet the criteria that is set for the post.
Let us not forget who we are as a people. We are a spiritual people with most persons believing in God, even if they are not actively practising their Christian faith or their other religious beliefs. I encourage every believer in God in this country to support the Prime Minister in her thrust for a new way of life in this country. Clearly, the old way has failed. The way that is based on man-made ideas surely has gone bankrupt. Why not try living as a nation according to God's way?
I am, etc.,
ESTHER TYSON
essieb2003@yahoo.com
