The Jamaican clergy is expressing concern over a decision of the state-operated Spectrum Management Authority (SMA) to take the Integrity Commission (IC) to court in an attempt to block an ongoing investigation by the anti-corruption watchdog.

According to media reports, the SMA has gone to court in an attempt to halt the investigation, claiming that the IC is acting illegally and abusing its powers. The IC has rejected the claims.

The influential Jamaica Council of Churches (JCC) and the Watchman Church Leaders Alliance (WCLA) have made it clear that they are uncomfortable with the development, especially at a time when public trust in institutions is being tested. They have issued a call for “moral courage, transparency, and respect for the lawful work of the Integrity Commission”.

“We are deeply concerned by recent legal actions seeking to halt an ongoing IC investigation involving the SMA,” said a joint statement issued by the two church groups.

It added that, “The right to legal recourse must be respected and this is part of our orderly arrangements as Jamaican society. However, efforts that have the effect of obstructing or delaying legitimate anti-corruption oversight raise serious moral and national concerns.”

They note that scripture teaches that authority is a sacred trust, given for the common good and exercised under God’s demand for justice and accountability as stated in Romans 13:1–7 and Proverbs 29:4.

According to the statement, “society’s moral strength is revealed not in how power is protected, but in how truth is pursued”.

It cited that the Integrity Commission has publicly stated its concern that evidence may be at risk if its investigation is impeded.

“This matter therefore extends beyond procedural disagreement. It touches the integrity of our governance systems and the confidence of citizens who expect public bodies to be subject to lawful scrutiny,” said the church groups.

“When institutions appear resistant to accountability, public trust is weakened, and the moral fabric of the nation is strained,” they added.

The church groups want the following actions to be taken:

• The Integrity Commission to continue its work with courage, fairness, and fidelity to its legal mandate, in the service of truth and the public interest;

• The Spectrum Management Authority and all public bodies to cooperate fully with lawful investigations, recognising that transparency strengthens —not diminishes— public confidence; and

• The Judiciary, as it considers this matter, to weigh carefully the overriding national interest in preserving robust and effective anti-corruption mechanisms.

“The Christian community and all people of goodwill are enjoined to pray for wisdom, integrity, and righteousness among those entrusted with authority. The church stands as a watchman in the nation …compelled by faith to speak when justice is at risk,” the joint statement said.

“We reaffirm our commitment to advocate for governance that reflects God’s standards, so that Jamaica may be a nation where justice flows freely and truth is honoured (Amos 5:24),” the church groups concluded.