Dear Editor,

It is interesting to recall that Michael Manley was aware of the various theological thoughts that were relevant during his political tenure. He read the works of Archbishop of Canterbury William Temple, which included Nature Man and God, Mens Creatrix, Christianity and the Social Order.

Michael admitted that he was very impressed with the depth and intellectual rigour of Anglican theology. Anglicans in Jamaica are unaware that “Christian Socialism”, a movement for social reform, was initiated in the 19th century by members of the Church of England, and it should be noted that Winston Churchill was very reluctant to confirm William Temple as Archbishop of Canterbury because of his socialist connections. When I visited Michael Manley in hospital, he told me that his son was named David because he had read the Psalms which exposed the character of King David.

I was elated to read the speech he delivered at the 30th Annual Convention of the Church of God of Prophecy at the National Arena, April 6, 1975. He demonstrated that he was not only well versed in biblical hermeneutics, but was theologically clear. Every Jamaican, should read the speech Michael Manley gave at the World Council of Churches in Africa in 1974, where he showed that he could be a lecturer in liberation and systematic theology. I think that Michael Manley’s theological reflections should be documented for posterity.

Revd Canon Ernle Gordon

gordfm@yahoo.com