As Christians across the world celebrate Easter Sunday, commemorating Jesus Christ’s resurrection from death, Anglican priest Reverend Father Sean Major-Campbell is demanding an apology from the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) for what he described as a “disgraceful” use of the sacred crucifix.

On Good Friday, as part of its anti-crime campaign, the JCF posted a graphic on social media, which included a picture of the crucifix and the words: “Happy Easter… Criminals living beside you? Call Crime Stop at 311.”

Another clergyman, Rev Dr Alvin Bailey, also lashed the JCF for the act.

Whilst many took it lightly and commended the JCF’s fitting and timely social media presence, Campbell said he was offended.

“I am appalled at the JCF’s use of the sacred crucifix to offensively convey a much-needed reminder in the fight against crime. It is unfortunate and inappropriate in a country where many citizens claim the symbol for its message of triumph over injustice and shameful death. The Easter message is also about an empty cross,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

“This trivialises a sacred message re Christ, who was unjustly executed. I call on the JCF to issue a public apology and to desist from offending the sacred traditions still held dear by many of our fellow citizens.”

The graphic was accompanied by the caption: “As we celebrate the holy weekend, we are reminded of the death of Jesus. He died surrounded by thieves so you don’t have to. Report the criminals living to your left and your right. Their presence in your communities will put your lives at risk.”

Campbell added: “In the meanwhile, I too encourage the public to help the work of justice and call 311 with helpful information. A blessed and holy Easter to all, even in the face of a pandemic, war, and impending global food crisis. We refuse to stay in tombs of despair. The stone has been rolled away. May the risen Christ who indwells us inform our better humanity this Easter and always.”

Presiding bishop of the Christian Holiness Church in Jamaica Rev Dr Bailey agreed with Campbell and blasted the force.

“It is a sign of desperation out of their failed crime-fighting strategies and the fact that crime is out of control and all their efforts so far have shown their incompetence. For me, it is appalling, it is shocking, it is unfortunate, and it is a desperate measure,” Bailey told the Sunday Observer.

“It’s unfortunate that they are really capitalising on such a holy season in such a callous and insensitive way. It is also accusatory. It is accusing the Jamaican people of condoning wrong. The Christian community, as far as I’m concerned, really is outraged by this one.”

But former prison chaplain Reverend Herro Blair Jr, who referred to Campbell as a “dear friend”, told the Sunday Observer that the crucifix on the graphic was useful.

“The cross represents the death of our Lord by false representation. It was the Church at the time that demanded His crucifixion on the basis that He was perverting the nation and refusing to pay taxes to Caesar. There are so many ways that the holy crucifix on the police flyer is helpful,” Blair said.

“It says that we must demand justice and truth at all times. It says that if you are guilty like the thief on the cross, that you should confess the truth and accept the forgiveness of Christ, and it also says that, in demanding truth, that we turn in those who are murdering our people,” he continued.

It is good, Blair added, that the police can look to the cross and ask us to do the right thing.

“In the case of Jesus Christ, we see five times where Herod, Pilate, and the thief on the cross found no fault with this innocent man. It makes me wonder how many are in jail and are not guilty. They look to the cross and pray that someone will do the right thing so that they could get their freedom. And, finally, the biggest lesson is that there is salvation through the cross. Thank God for the cross.

“The lessons of the cross are important. God can save the confessing guilty party. The love of God demands of us to do the right thing. The innocent are often lied on, and judges can give in to pressure.”

When contacted on Saturday afternoon, Bishop Rohan Edwards Sr, who leads a congregation of 1,200 with five churches across Jamaica, said the JCF’s message was not clear and declined to comment.