Church needs to work as a unit - GG
Published:Friday | May 2, 2014 | 12:00 AM
Jodi-Ann Gilpin, Gleaner Writer
Governor General Sir Patrick Allen is appealing to the Church to employ a united approach in tackling the decay in morals and discipline within society.
Addressing yesterday's Meeting of Leaders of Churches and Christian Organisations, held at King's House in St Andrew, Sir Patrick said it was imperative that church leaders move away from division and tribalism.
"We have a duty as Church to complement the initiatives of each other, to listen to each other and to work together as a team in promoting visions that will aid in the betterment of our nation," Sir Patrick said.
"I believe that as we (the Church) go forward, it is imperative that we leave our personal biases, contention and other conflicting issues out of the equation and collaborate more in building on the positives in our society."
Similarly, Reverend Dr Stevenson Samuels, chairman of the National Leadership Prayer Breakfast, said in his address that it would take a collaborative approach to solve some of the issues in Jamaica.
"When we have more than 250 criminal gangs operating in the 19 divisions of our Jamaica Constabulary Force, and when we continue to have worrying trends with murders and fights within our country, as Church we should hang our heads in shame," he declared.
THERE CAN BE CHANGE
"I truly believe that there can be a change in this nation but as Church, we sometimes become very competitive, trying to outstage each other and allowing doctrines and conflicts to keep us apart."
He added: "We have a divine mission as people of God, to lead the way in promoting the right values within our society. However, the Church must be on one mission and lead by example in working as a unit."