Dear Editor,

A letter I submitted, which was published on Monday, October 8, has rubbed many people the wrong way. A few of them have e-mailed, giving their strong opinion against the piece and stated that people like myself spread hate towards the LGBTQ community.

I’ve gone through that letter many times and I’m still searching for that portion which calls for discrimination and violence against this marginal group in Jamaica.

One ‘Mr P’ wrote that the Church today doesn’t show the same love that Jesus showed when He walked the Earth. Frankly, I disagree with that argument. The objective of the Church is to show the love of Christ to all men, no matter social, political or sexual background. The love of Christ will reach you wherever you are in life.

John 3:17

[17] For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.

Romans 5:8

[8] But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

That is the perfect love that we all desire and God showed us. Jesus didn’t outrightly judge the world but instead became a beacon of hope, love and mercy without compromise.

The problem with the LGBTQ community and others who are adulterers, fornicators, corrupt, gossipers, paedophiles, backsliders, hypocrites, etc is their unwillingness to turn from a life that is immoral, a life of wickedness. The issue is not one of hatred, discrimination or violence. The real problem is that the message of Christ requires change.

John 8:11

[11] She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

The key aspects of this verse is that the woman was forgiven and then asked to sin no more. It was a call for action on her part, the ultimate change.

Our call is for a righteous change to godly living, and that is why this group states that the church pushes hate. People who cannot see the need to change or refuse to change are those who will forever oppose the “Good News” because it requires self-improvement.

To the activists I say this: You are seeking tolerance and it is something that you have always received. Lesbians and gays walk freely in Jamaica, they work, they receive health care just like any other Jamaican citizen and your fundamental rights exist. Many violent crimes meted out to this group are committed by people within their own ranks. Just like every other Jamaican also, unfortunately we all have an interaction with lawlessness and therefore we are all equally affected.

Therefore, your request is not for tolerance, you are requesting a compromise from the church and other like-minded institutions. This is where we part ways. Until that day when the church ceases to exist, the call for holiness will constantly be made. We believe in free will and therefore will not seek to silence you as you seek to do us.

We do not live by the words of the LGBTQ bible that has been changed to accommodate sin, we go by the Word and God who changes not.

Our love is always extended to you all.

Let me add this public advisory to the general church body. Let no sin be found amongst us. I speak to all who are in the church and are living unholy lifestyle. Set your house in order.

Pastor K Edwards

God, Life and The Family International

kedwardsmin@gmail.com