The Editor, Sir:If Reverend Barrington Soares and spiritual leader Reverend Al Miller were using the Scriptures as their guide the role they play in the Portmore toll boycott might have been different.
The Gleaner quoted Reverend Soares as saying "We will continue the use of the alternative, it means the boycott can be three months or six months". Another article declared, "Al Miller praises Portmore boycott".
But, the Scriptures call Christians to submit to the governing authority.
"Everyone must submit himself to the governing authority, for there is no authority except that which God has established. God has established the authorities that exist. Consequently, he who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so (reverend gentlemen) will bring judgment on themselves. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities. (Romans 13: 2, 5).
Even if they are tyrants, 1 Peter 2: 13-14 states "Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men."
Simply put, Christians are obeying God when we obey the law, unless the government demands we do something immoral or against the plain teaching of Scriptures.
This boycott by Portmore residents has been causing untold hardship for the regular users of the Mandela Highway. And, this has the blessing of the Reverends.
The role of the spiritual leaders, in this case, should be one of mediation and prayer. Christians are called to be different, either we live by the Word of God or pack it up.
I am, etc,
CLAUDE WILSON
jaclaude@yahoo.com
