New PM to consult God before making decisions

BY NADINE WILSON Observer staff reporter wilsonn@jamaicaobserver.com

Thursday, January 05, 2012

PRIME Minister-designate Portia Simpson Miller has assured the church that she intends to seek the Lord's guidance before making decisions as her People's National Party prepares to take over the reins of government today.

Simpson Miller, in a brief message that was delivered by Member of Parliament for South East St Catherine Colin Fagan at yesterday's annual Heal the Family, Heal the Nation convention at the Portmore Town Centre in St Catherine, also thanked the church for its prayers over the years.

"The [Most] Honourable Portia Simpson Miller would like for me to say that we thank you for all your prayers. She would like to say to you that she thanks you for your support and she wants to say to you that she is not going to do anything without asking the Lord's guidance," Fagan told the large gathering at the Power of Faith Ministries (PFM) at the Town Centre.

The Christian community had raised concerns about Simpson Miller's promise, prior to her People's National Party (PNP) victory in the polls last week Thursday, to review the buggery law should her administration come into power. Some believe that such a review could lead to an acceptance of the homosexual lifestyle which contravenes the teachings of the Bible.

Simpson Miller, who had addressed the group last year, will be sworn in today as Jamaica's new prime minister.

Like the prime minister-designate, most of the other dignitaries who were scheduled to address the annual event -- which has in the past brought the church community together with the prime minister, leader of Opposition and governor general for a day of prayer and fasting -- were also absent.

Yesterday, church leaders said they would be looking to God for their sustenance, even as they called for a spiritual awakening in the nation. The call came amidst what convener of the Jamaica Umbrella Groups of Churches Reverend Lenworth Anglin considers "the disdain and the suspicion that a lot of people have for prayer".

"The church continues to pray, no matter which government is in power, we are in the praying business," he said.

"We are here to declare to this nation that prayer moves the arm that moves the world," said Rev Anglin, who also chairs the Church of God in Jamaica.

No aspect of national interest was spared the fiery prayers of the church leaders, as one by one they took turns interceding for the government and its cabinet, the business sector, the security forces, and for peace and productivity, among other things.

The Heal the Family, Heal the Nation convention was started by founder of the PFM Bishop Dr Delford Davis seven years ago, and was fully endorsed by the seven umbrella church groups in Jamaica that represents approximately 98 per cent of the nation's Christian community.

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COMMENTS (32)

Tone Bag
1/5/2012

Amen KBailliff Bless you P SM and team Most head of countries have some form of faith If God created humans he must have some means by which to communicates with them while this is left by and large to the individual's capacity or interpretation additionally the Bible serves as a reference by which persons action can be examined Even if prayer doesnt reach God it is therapeutic and give persons an opportunity for reflection and introspection to attain a state of mind to take important decisions

Maxwell Coore
1/5/2012

Why are so many of you spouting negativity in response to this; while seemingly oblivious to the fact that ALL of our elected leaders are sworn in using the Bible; and the edict : "so help me God" ? Some of you no doubt suffer from acute hypocrisy and a corresponding lack of intellect!!!!

Sonny Black
1/5/2012

God will not do for Humans whatever they can do for themselves. He created us in his Image gave us a Brain that is more Powerful than any Computers in the Past , Present or Future. Therefore we are equipped with the tools to accomplish successfully whatever we desire.

Antonette W.
1/5/2012

I hope she really has a direct telephone line to heaven because if she doesn't, then we are in big trouble. You see, sometimes the voice we hear and attribute to God isn't His voice at all. Oh, well, the Reagans used to meet with their psychic whenever they had a major decision to make, so I suppose it could be even worse.

Jaime Clarke
1/5/2012

This woman obviously believes the Jamaican pple are stupid. She's gonna consult God now when she has already made "committments" to International Gay Community??? Quite smart sista P. You're already putting your foot in your mouth.

Christopher Caine
1/5/2012

Well we know which GOD she is going to consult: Peter Phillips and Omar Davies!

Cassandra Clarke
1/5/2012

thank you Kingston, tell the heathens what they are foolish enough not to know, I never knew there were so many unbelievers in Jamaica the supposed to be Christian nation. I hope they get it now

Cookie Bulla
1/5/2012

If Portia Simpson Miller really consults GOD before making decisions, then she would not even think about encouraging sexual immorality of any kind. Adultery, fornication and homosexuality.

Elli Deedo
1/5/2012

These people are living into a fairy tale world, and I'am hoping the PNP will wake up and be realistic instead of talking about praying before making decisions. We need intelligent and constructive governance. Have they forgotten the parson who was praying in his bed room when he was shot and killed in last year?. Praying? what is really wrong with some of our black people. Doe's the prayer from the churches prevent Gun murderers? We need serious and effective leadership not prayers, sorry:)

Allyson Dreyfuss
1/5/2012

Here we go again. This woman will suck up to anything and stand for nothing. First it's the gay peole , now the church ..who else ..what next ?
The lumpens surely got us this time again.
Congratulatins Maam, lover of the poor. Now you will have to serve up the eucalyptus oil. ...Poor Jamaica ..wi dun fa

2kool .
1/5/2012

Do not be so quick to dismiss God from your lives. The Sunday after sept 11, every church in the US was packed and the president for a few days was no where to be found as he himself was in hiding. Don't wait for a disaster to seek God. Now is a good time to invite Him into your lives.

Wa Tch
1/5/2012

Does the Observer ever learn?

howie J
1/5/2012

About the time of Jesus’ mission up to the time of his arrest, the Roman Emperor was no other than Tiberius (14-37). Emperor Tiberius is believed to be a raging homosexual. However, nowhere in the historical records do we see Jesus, condemning or even seems to concern himself about Tiberius, or the large homosexual community in Greco-Rome world. Jesus’s mission was to speak out against the violation of human dignities. Our dignities are usually violated thru’ political and economic means. The church is the upholder of the full truth of the moral order and when it gets into bed with human governments; it no longer is God’s representation here on earth but a puppet of the state or corrupt leaders. We need no clearer example than the Roman Catholic’s support of Hitler and the atrocities which followed.

Kingston Bailliff
1/5/2012

Di Bible say:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.
Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil." Proverbs 3:5-7
Move forward Sista P... Everything you do the badmind dem aggo criticise. Be a real Jamaican woman and run the country... a that it need now.. Only a Jamaica woman know how fi balance the needs of the house wid no money... thats how it is in Jamaica.

Silver Star
1/5/2012

PM Simpson-Miller, do not start the foolishness about consulting God before you make a decision, lets be realistic good governance requires sober thinking, honesty and sound decision making. Consultation is also required with the team, and in some cases with the people of the Country.

howie J
1/5/2012

The Church exists under every form of government, but it should be not align itself with any government. The church is not a democracy, but a hierarchy with Christ at the head. The Church was designed by Christ while Governments are designed by the people. Portia and her MPs are chosen by the people to perform the service of the state.
Here are 2 clear distinctions between serving God and man. Jesus told Peter "Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me; for you are not on the side of God, but of men" (Matt 16:23). The Pharisees once said to Jesus: "Teacher, we know that you are true, and teach the way of God truthfully, and care for no man; for you do not regard the position of men" (Matt 22:16).

Tajai Grant
1/5/2012

Here we go again, can someone please remind our PM that God gave us all a brain to think and that's what we need her to do. Fancy speech and pondering to the religious community wont work.

Oliver Hunter
1/5/2012

Asking the Lord's guidance ?
The stupid things politicians say.

Noel Richards
1/5/2012

Lawd, have mercy! Will Reverend Phinn become an unofficial member of the Cabinet?

Froggy D
1/5/2012

And what happens if God does not respond, does the new prime minister wait for an answer while the nation goes to pot?

Nicolas Henry
1/5/2012

I hate to hear ppl say, they're going to consult GOD before making decision. Not that I don't believe in GOD, but how do the consultees know when they're hearing from GOD. Don't people usually do what they had made up their mind to do from the get go. A woman meet a man. She want to marry him. She say she will seek with GOD. She then marry the Man.The man turns out to be the worst thing.Did GOD tell her to marry him? GOD gave us common sense to make good decisions. Period. U can flip the script.

2kool .
1/5/2012

The women all dressed in white looked so dignified.

Raymond Clarke
1/5/2012

Every prime minister consults God and still we have the highest crime rates and one of the worst economies. How about starting to consulting with smart capable people run the country.

Cassandra Clarke
1/5/2012

That's a good step Mrs. Simpson Miller, let God be your guide. I know you are a woman of faith and substance that's why God has chosen you. You are here at a time like this to deliver Jamaica from the hands of the Phillistines and our prayers will be with you to keep and strenghten you. God bless you in your endeveours.

Nina Nais
1/5/2012

Lying or adultery also contravene the Bible. Yet I don't see any laws prohibiting lying or adultery, nor do I see liars and adulterers being banned from Cabinet. The laws of a country do not exist to enforce the Bible, but to administer justice when citizens commit acts that harm other individuals. As much as you may find homosexual acts repulsive, two consenting adults doing what they wish to each other is not harmful to anyone else, so there should be no law against it.

Peter Lawrence
1/5/2012

A Prime Minister/govt Ministers should not waste time in such outward emotional DAYLONG song and prayer fest such as this.They do not increase spirituality or morals.Several times here & abroad churches back persons in GREAT moral lapses because they also encourage the Cult of the MAN OF GOD and Hero(Pastor/ Bishop/ evangelist) who can do no wrong.This is almost a waste of time which could be better spent tending the nation's business. Go to your church, say morning prayers, all good. Enuff

Paul Gentles
1/5/2012

Your headline was clearly taken out of context... have you learnt anything from your constant bleating about buggery prior to the election? if you have then demonstrate it - be more responsible and stop trying to pander to the base of human nature; use your mediun in a way that helps and betters the quality of Ja's lives and livelihood.

Anthony II
1/5/2012

II. I am sure that whichever "God" is going to be consulted, he/she gave each nation people with intellect/skills that they could use to tackle the nation's problems. He/She has other business to take care of, other than answering questions from leaders about creating employment for their citizens or taxing those who continue to dodge taxes. I hope that the first time she consults "God", she will be told this and also: "JAMs, get off your backsides and praying knees and get to work!"

Anthony II
1/5/2012

Re: "Like the prime minister-designate, most of the other dignitaries who were scheduled to address the annual event -- which has in the past brought the church community together with the prime minister, leader of Opposition and governor general for a day of prayer and fasting -- were also absent."
.
I suspect they all consulted "God" an he/she told them to stay away! JA is in some deep "doo-doo" when we have as leaders people who will be "consulting God" prior to decision making.

Jay Henry
1/5/2012

So she gonna swear in again with her own mandate this time. I wonder though which God she going to consult. Last election(2007) she consulted the god Baalzebub with her connection with his prophet. Jamaica, I beg you to get down on your knees individually and pray for yourselves as TEAM People's Nowhere Party takes us into the hands of devils. Probably change is in the air. For the best or for the worst? I sense the latter.

wanda woeman
1/5/2012

After 50 years we need a woman as governor general. I am putting in my 2 cents worth for Mrs. Barbara Gloudon.

Matthew Thomas
1/5/2012

i didn't know a review of the buggery law could change whether or not people accept homosexuality. The nonsense that they choose to publish in newspapers of this country. smh

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New PM to consult God before making decisions