THE EDITOR, Sir:
MAY I begin by congratulating the new Prime Minister for two things - for wisdom and for courage. I congratulate her for wisdom in choosing to place her political leadership firmly on the basis of reliance on Christ. Some of her words may be capable of unfortunate misunderstanding, but her intention to place her tenure of political office under the Lordship of Christ is clear and uncompromising. Secondly, I want to congratulate her for doing this in public. She could have decided to make this resolve in private.
A personal, even silent, prayer could have settled this matter between herself and Christ, without anyone, least of all her political opponents, knowing. That she chose to express this resolve in public shows a boldness which is scarce even in the Church, much less in the State. That she has come under ridicule, cynicism, and even the accusation of merely playing to the religious feelings of the Jamaican people, is to be expected. Some of us, however, are naïve enough to believe in her sincerity. May she receive the power from on high to fulfil this intention.
CRUSADE FOR CHANGE
The third matter which I wish to comment upon is her call for a Crusade for Change. I would like to give support to this call, but with a modification. The word 'change' by itself does not indicate the direction of the change. Although it may be difficult to imagine this with regard to the present situation in Jamaica, it can be change for the worse! What is needed in our country, I believe, is a move in the direction of "righteousness." This word, which is hardly used today, indicates a two-fold relationship - a right relationship between man and God on the one hand, and a right relationship between man and his fellowmen on the other.
SUGGESTION
We, in the Church, have been emphasising the first relationship to the detriment, or at least the minimising, of the second. Both are necessary. That is why the Ten Commandments of the Old Testament were in two parts (1-4 our relationship with God, 5-10 our relationship with our fellowmen), and the commandment of the New Testament, as summed up in 1 John 3:23 is also two-fold - "...this is His commandment that we should believe on the Name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another."
I would dare to suggest that what is needed in Jamaica today is a "Crusade for Righteousness." This Crusade should be led by the Church, not the State. It demands a moral change at the personal level which will affect life in the home, at the workplace, in the community, in politics and eventually, in the nation. It is such a comprehensive transformation which is needed. Only 'righteousness' can adequately embrace this kind of spiritual and moral change. It is the Church, the "light' and 'salt' of the society which should launch this Crusade. But will we have the boldness to do it? Only time will tell.
I am, etc.,
REV. EARL THAMES
North Middlesex
Learning Centre,
Tower Isle P.O.,
