Let's break down the walls of divisiveness, urges pastor

BY NADINE WILSON Observer staff reporter wilsonn@jamaicaobserver.com

Friday, January 20, 2012

AS Jamaica prepares to celebrate 50 years of Independence from British rule, chairman of the Church of God in Jamaica, Reverend Lenworth Anglin, has issued a call for the breaking down of the walls of divisiveness so as to facilitate reconciliation and the rebuilding of the country.

Rev Anglin, who is also the convener of the Umbrella Group of Churches of Jamaica, made the call during yesterday's 32nd staging of the National Leadership Prayer Breakfast (NLPB) at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston.

The event saw Governor General Sir Patrick Allen, Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller and Opposition Leader Andrew Holness in attendance. Also present were other national, religious, corporate and civic leaders who gathered for spiritual empowerment and fellowship.

"We admit with shame that some of our history also informs us that some of our own people have done everything possible to divide us as a people. The nation laments and regrets acts and policies and practices of discrimination and victimisation that cause inequality," he said.

"We lament the viciousness that has characterised stages of our history, especially over the last 50 years since independence," noted the reverend, even as he pointed to the recent election and the reduction in crime and violence as signs that the walls were being broken down.

The reverend said he was sensitive to the issue of Christian dogmatism and was keen to acknowledge that while the Christian community enjoyed much influence in what is considered a pluralistic nation, this too needed revisiting.

"The church will be respectful of other points of view but be mindful of our unique role," he said.

Sir Patrick Allen, in his presentation, said he too was happy with the fact that Jamaicans were uniting for the good of the nation.

"We are one people under God and we must join forces to rebuild Jamaica land we love," he said.

He went on to describe the theme for this year's NLPB, 'Jamaica 50: Reconcile, rebuild and rejoice', as being appropriate, given Jamaica's current reality.

"It provides us the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the last 50 years, for indeed we have accomplished much and importantly we are conscious that although the journey is still difficult, we have no fear for the future unless we forget the way that God has led us," he said.

"As leaders, we must always remember that the people have given us their hands to hold. We should honour that confidence reposed in us. No matter how challenging and difficult the journey, let them have the assurance that every little thing will be all right," he charged.

But even as the governor general implored the leaders to be responsible, chairman of the NLPB, Reverend Peter Garth pointed out that leaders came under tremendous pressure in carrying out their duties.

"The average person has no concept as to the tremendous pressures faced by those in position of leadership. Leaders are either the hero or the loser; leaders would either be loved or hated; leaders are often blamed for things they didn't do and criticised for things they tried to do; leaders are often misquoted and misunderstood. If they act too quickly, they are reckless, if they don't act quickly enough, they are cowardly and unconcerned," he said.

Even so, he urged those placed in authority of leadership to remain virtuous and urged Jamaicans on a whole to become better stewards of their time.

"There is far too much idleness taking place in Jamaica, we need to get to work and to create in Jamaica, a work ethic that is rooted in disciplined hard work," he said.

A special donation is collected each year at the leadership breakfast which is given to a charity group deserving of assistance. This year's donation is to benefit the Glenhope Place of Safety, which suffered extensive damage during a fire on November 24 of last year. A total of $55 million is required to help restore the home.

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Let's break down the walls of divisiveness, urges pastor