The Return to Sodom - what was the sin of Sodom?

I came across this piece, posted in September 2006 but it is remarkable reading, It is lengthy so take your time to digest it. It was written by a gay priest whose blog is called:

THE GAY ECLECTIC

check the blog roll (left side column) as well for updates.

"Genesis 13:1 tells us that Abram (he was not yet renamed Abraham) and his family, including his nephew Lot, left Egypt and went into the Ne'gev. As time passed both men became very successful. In time, Abram's servants and Lot's servants began having arguments over the ownership of their respective master's cattle (13:7). In order to resolve this growing conflict, the two men separated (13:5-13). Lot chose the Jordan Valley while Abram and his company settled in the Land of Canaan. The description of the people of the Jordan Valley as "wicked," ra' in Hebrew, tells us nothing more than our English equivalent. The word translated as "sinners" is chatta' and more accurately translated as "criminals." In either case, these were bad people whose towns were populated by outlaws and gangsters. Thus far nothing in the text suggests the presence of homosexuality."

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Rev Keeping in Touch

Colleagues,

I trust you all have had a good week thus far and I wish you all a blessed weekend.

Positive thinking

There is no amount of darkness that can extinguish the inner light. The important thing is not to spend our lives trying to control the environment around us.

The task is to control the environment within us. Robert Schuller II, in one of his columns called attention a story told to him by Norman Vincent Peal. The story was about a time when he was walking through New York City and he saw a tattoo shop. He was extremely curious, so entered the shop and looked around at all the different tattoos.

He looked at a tattoo that said "born to lose." He went to the man doing the tattoos “the tattooer” and said, "Do people actually have that tattooed on their body?" The man retorted: "Oh yes sir, they do." Norman said, "Why in the world would anyone ever tattoo 'born to lose' on their body?" The man replied, "Before tattoo on body, tattoo on mind." What is tattooed on your mind?

We have all heard sermons and speeches about the power of positive thinking and the need to get rid of negative thoughts from our mind. The apostle Paul encouraged us to think on those things that were true, noble, just, pure, lovely, those things of good report and so on.

He was convinced of the power of positive thinking. Too often we allow negative thoughts to be planted in the soil of our lives and they germinate and bear fruits that are bitter and harsh. Be careful of the seeds that you are allowing to take root in your life.
Think on those things that are pure.

Be careful of the things that are tattooed on your mind.

Best,

Rev

Who colt de game?

(It implies that someone has deliberately made a wrong move to change the outcome of the plan.)

From time to time as we see various acts of injustices meted out to persons in our society and as we examine the genesis of these acts of injustice, we are left to exclaim: “Who colt de game?” It would appear that the more privileged in our society, those who are prejudiced and those who have no interest in the rights of minorities, those who are comfortable in engaging in acts of injustices even if the acts are perpetrated against those who constitute no threat to their well being and welfare. Never mind that irrational fears are often the reasons for prejudice and bias.

The powerful does not care about minorities when they see the minority constituting a threat, despite the fact that the threat is a figment of their imagination. It is for this reason that the Bible is oftentimes interpreted to support the position of the dominant majority in so far as issues of sexual orientation and same gender loving are concerned.
It is no comfort to us that Jesus Christ was a victim in a system that “colted de game.” The leaders of the society in which Jesus lived accused him of breaking the law, yet they ignored the more important aspects of the Law. They “colted” the game because Jesus became a problem for them. He challenged their way of living and offered an alternative to keeping the Law. He offered love.

In places where obstacles have been created ( the game has been colted) to prevent people from have the quality of life that God wills, the people of faith are challenges to examine possibilities for non conformance and seize such opportunities. We need to get around the obstacles. We might also want to seize the opportunity to demonstrate our genuine commitment to a life that is energized and ennobled by the Spirit of God.

PRAY

Let us pray that for the strength to get around and over all the obstacles that might be erected in one way or another to prevent us from living in nearness and commitment to God.

Written by MEC

Monkey mus know weh im gwine put im tail tail before im order trousiz

(This proverbs means that one must know oneself before doing what others are doing.)

Often times Jamaicans are criticized for following fashion, for picking up practices that seem out of step with who and what we are. This proverb “Monkey mus know weh im gwine put im tail tail before im order trousiz” calls us to know ourselves. The issue of knowing oneself has relevance to living meaningful especially for the life of an individual oriented toward inner experiences or o spiritual realities, a life focused on God.

For same gender loving persons, critical self knowledge is important but sometimes difficult. Many are still coming to grips with issues of their sexuality and find this aspect of the self problematic. Yet, we need to come to grips with who and what we are. One thing is sure; we are all God’s children. As God’s child we are definitely special and a unique person. Some of us as same gender loving persons might suffer from inability to properly define ourselves because of how we were socialized. Nevertheless, the quest for a deeper understanding of who and what we are should never be abandoned, we need to believe God to help acknowledge who we are, accept ourselves as fully whole and allow God to do what he wants to do in our lives .

This quest for deepened self knowledge might be more fully engaged as we are inhabited and energized by God’s Spirit and to this end we should pray. This process of coming to grips with ourselves, especially ourselves as persons inhabited by the Spirit might be facilitated by self analysis and some guiding questions might assist us our self examination: How do I evaluate my life:
The soundness of my convictions- As an individual do I believe that God lives and accept me as a same gender loving?

My Openness to communion with God- As an individual, do I find time to seek to commune with God and believe that God lovingly welcomes me
My faithfulness in my commitments- Do I engage in a life that concentrates its commitment upon God?
My kindness in conduct- Am I living a life in which there is a consuming passion for the well being and welfare of others and I demonstrate my concern through tangible acts of care and concern?
Yes Monkey mus know weh im gwine put im tail tail before im order trousiz. I need to come to grips with who and what I am.

PRAY

Dear God, help me to believe that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Keep me ever trusting you, always ready and willing to live in nearness and commitment and help me to touch other lives as the finger of God-Amen.

Written by MEC

For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received

"For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures." (1 Corinthians 15:3)

"Christ died for out sins." That is the brief record of the greatest and most wonderful event in God's moral universe. The patriot dies for his country; the martyr dies for his faith; the loving and devoted mother would willingly die for her suffering child; and "peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die." (Romans 5:7)

Self-sacrifice is common enough, and it is noble, beautiful. But, the self-sacrifice of Christ! Is there anything to compare with it? Comparison is impossible. It has no parallel, and can have none. It is altogether exceptional and unique. "Christ died for OUR SINS." Of no one else can that be said in the sense in which it is it said of Him. Of no one is it said. Of no other being in the universe could it be said. And it could not have been said of Him if He had not been God as well as man. And now, "Through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: and by Him all that believe are justified." (Acts 13:38)

Ye shall do my judgments, and keep Mine ordinances

"Ye shall do my judgments, and keep Mine ordinances, to walk therein: I am the Lord your God." (Leviticus 18:4)

The Word of God must settle every question and govern every conscience. There must be no appeal from its solemn and weighty decision. When God speaks, every heart must bow. Men may form and hold their opinions; they may adopt and defend their practices; but one of the finest traits in the character of "the Israel of God" is profound reverence for, and implicit subjection to, "every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord."

The exhibition of this valuable feature may, perhaps, lay them open to the charge of dogmatism (positive or arrogant assertions, as of belief, without proof), superciliousness (haughty, contempt or indifference), and self-sufficiency, on the part of those who have never duly weighed the matter; but, in truth, nothing can be more unlike dogmatism than simple subjection to the plain truth of God; nothing more unlike superciliousness than reverence for the statements of inspiration; nothing more unlike self-sufficiency than subjection to the divine authority of Holy Scripture. (C.H. Mackintosh - Notes on Leviticus)

New Hearts Need Careful Tongues

New Hearts Need Careful Tongues "If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain." (James 1:26)

We know that the heart is deceitful (Jeremiah 17:9) but here, it is deceived. A true believer with a new heart can deceive that heart by not being careful with his tongue. How often we speak unseemly things about others, even passing false reports about friends or brethren which we may not even realize we are doing. Sadly often this happens when preceded by these words, "We need to pray for..." and then we repeat an unkind or even untrue thing about that person.

Thus an unruly tongue is cloaked in the guise of religion and care for that person, when in reality we have but deceived our own hearts. May we earnestly pray to the Lord "Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips." (Psalm 141:30)

Do we not often have to hang our heads in shame for what we unwisely, unkindly, and unguardedly have spoken against someone. May the Lord help us to judge a careless tongue that presents itself in a "religious" form, but in reality is an unjudged tongue. How much pain, sorrow and tears an unruly tongue can cause to others and ourselves.

Bosnia must respect gay rights to join EU say MEPs

By Tony Grew

The European Parliament's Intergroup on Gay and Lesbian Rights has condemned the violence at the Sarajevo Queer Festival yesterday as "cowardly behaviour."
Michael Cashman Labour MEP for the West Midlands, said that Bosnia-Herzegovina must prove that it respects the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people if it is to stand a chance of becoming a member of the EU.
Ten people were injured when a mob shouting homophobic slogans threw stones at the launch of the festival yesterday evening.

People leaving the event in an art gallery in Sarajevo were set upon by gangs, among them Muslims angry that the gay event, the first of its kind in the country, is being held at the same time as Ramadan.
"Young men, with hoods hiding their faces and some with long beards, yelled offensive words and also Allahu akbar (God is Greatest)," reported Reuters.
"Police said one attacker was detained."

"We strongly condemn the attacks against the Sarajevo Queer Festival. It is a cowardly behaviour to challenge the views one disagrees with by violence"', said Mr Cashman, President of the Intergroup and one of two out gay MEPs.

"I also need to point out that Bosnia-Herzegovina wants to become a member of the European Union and the country should clearly show that it is ready for membership.
"Authorities and society at large must show that they can respect the rights of gays, lesbians, bisexual and transgender people not just in law, but also in practice.

"Respect for human rights is at the heart of EU membership."
Sirpa Pietikäinen, Vice-President of the Intergroup, said:
"Religious and political leaders should be aware that the violence of yesterday is a result of their homophobic speeches.

"They must understand that is not acceptable. Politicians should have the courage to stand up against any kind of violence and protect the human rights of every citizen."
The Queer Sarajevo Festival began yesterday. The Dutch, Canadian and Swiss embassies are among those supporting it.

In the weeks before the event a Muslim politician in Bosnia criticised the country's gay community for holding it at Ramadan.
Posters appeared on the streets of Sarajevo proclaiming "Death To Gays" and imams spoke out, claiming that homosexuality is immoral and contrary to the Koran.
Extremist groups and politicians openly called for violence against homosexual and transgender people.

There is an equal age of consent in the country but discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation is "widespread" according to the EU.

Bosnia and Herzegovina signed a Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) with the EU in June.
The SAA represents, if properly implemented, a "gateway" to candidate status.
Agreements on visa facilitation and readmission between the EU and Bosnia and Herzegovina were signed in September 2007 and they entered into force on 1 January 2008.

In June 2008, the EU agreed on a country-specific "road map" for visa liberalisation for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The EU continues to deploy considerable resources in Bosnia and Herzegovina within the framework of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP).

Following the improved security situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the EU Defence Ministers decided in December 2006 on a force reduction of EUFOR/Althea from some 6,000 to 2,500 troops.
The mandate of the EU Police Mission has been extended with two additional years until the end of 2009.

Gay rights bill passes first stage in Australian parliament

A new bill that aims to ensure equal treatment for gay and lesbian couples in Australia has been passed by the lower house of the Federal parliament.
The Same-Sex Entitlements Bill now moves to the Senate.
It will remove discrimination against same-sex partners in areas like immigration, taxation, veterans' pensions and aged care, and follows a bill introduced earlier this year aimed at removing discrimination in superannuation.
Attorney-General Robert McClelland told the House of Representatives that opposition Liberal MPs who claim the legislation will undermine marriage are "simply wrong."
"It was perhaps disappointing that they went further to suggest that far from removing discrimination against same-sex couples, we should be discriminating in favour of married couples," he said.
The Labour government had made an election manifesto commitment to reform following last year's Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission’s report.
The new legislation, which effects 19 government departments and amends 68 laws, recognises de facto couples, even if one or both partners is still legally married to someone else.
Some Liberal party critics have accused Labour of legalising polygamy.
In 2004, under former Prime Minister John Howard, federal legislation banning same-sex marriage was passed.
Some had hoped that the defeat of Mr Howard and the Liberals in November 2007 and the election of a Labour government might move the debate about gay marriage forward.
In fact, while Labour has decided to tackle legal inequities between gay and straight couples, it maintains that marriage is only between a man and a woman.

Weekly Reflection by Pastor Durrell Watkins

"When liturgy works…something truly remarkable happens. We transcend our sense of being unconnected individuals. We are lifted out of our individual isolation and transformed into a single organism…" Rabbi Harold Kushner, Who Needs God
I've chanted with Nichiren Buddhists. I've sat in deep silence with Zen Buddhists (and Zen Christians). I've observed Tibetan Buddhist rituals. I've shared Sabbats with neo-pagans. I've worshiped in Jewish synagogues.

I've enjoyed exuberant Pentecostal worship, highly choreographed Anglican and Catholic masses, and quiet Protestant services. I have listened to beautiful string quartets, contemporary readings, scriptures of world religions, and intellectually stimulating sermons in Unitarian Universalist Churches/Fellowships/Societies.
I have observed silence with Quakers, sang prayers in the Taize tradition, and prayed for peace with Baha'i devotees. I have participated in guided meditations, folk songs and show tunes, and listened to lectures about the power of mind at New Thought churches and conferences.

I have been blessed by a Santero (a priest in the Santeria tradition). And I have experienced over 35 MCC worshiping communities (no two alike).
Additionally, I am a graduate of an ecumenical seminary where I studied and worshiped with Catholics, Protestants, Jews, Buddhists, Unitarian Universalists, Quakers, and Eastern Orthodox.
Do you know what is amazing about these extremely varied religious experiences? I've encountered the Sacred in each of them! The ritual could be as simple as sitting in silence, as dynamic as uncontrolled shouting and dancing, or as mysterious as large portions of the service being offered in an ancient language (i.e., Sanskrit, Hebrew, or Latin). But in every case, I felt reverence and wonder and I felt connection to those with whom I shared the experience and even to the mystical Web of Existence to which we all belong.

In other words, regardless of what we called Ultimate Reality, and regardless of how we expressed our hopes, longings, and gratitude, that which is so often called "God" was always accessible; and sharing the experience with others was always personally enriching.
I'm religious not to appease a far away deity, and not to guarantee some privilege for my soul, but because sharing religion with others brings me hope, encouragement, challenge, and comfort. I've seen it transform people in positive ways, and I have certainly been blessed by the experience. Religion, at its best, reminds us of our unity with all life and with the sacredness that longs always to express in, through, and as us. I remain, unapologetically, religious. I invite others to explore the benefits that healthy religious experience offers.

Durrell Watkins is the Senior Pastor of Sunshine Cathedral in Fort Lauderdale, FL (www.sunshinecathedral.org). He can be reached at Durrell@sunshinecathedral.org. Sunshine Cathedral is a Metropolitan Community Church affiliated with The Center for Progressive Christianity.

visit: http://kweerspirit.com for more

Peace.

Episcopal Church Ousts Pittsburgh Bishop

Conservative Anglicans have expressed their “great sadness” at the decision of The Episcopal Church to depose the Bishop of Pittsburgh. The Episcopal House of Bishops voted 88 to 35 in a closed meeting in Salt Lake City on Thursday to remove Bishop Robert Duncan from ordained ministry on the grounds of “abandonment of the communion of this church.” There were four abstentions.
Duncan, who has led the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh for 11 years, is the moderator of the Common Cause Partnership, a network of Anglicans in North America disenchanted with the The Episcopal Church's pro-homosexual agenda and moving to break away from the liberal denomination.
His deposition comes ahead of the Diocese of Pittsburgh’s vote on October 4 on whether to secede from the The Episcopal Church and align instead with the more conservative Anglican Province of the Southern Cone in South America. The Pittsburgh diocese said it will move ahead with the secession vote despite Duncan's removal.
In a joint statement, Dr. Philip Giddings, convenor of the conservative Anglican Mainstream, and Canon Dr. Chris Sugden, the group’s executive secretary, said: “To take such action is hardly in the spirit of the reflections at this year’s Lambeth Conference or the Archbishop of Canterbury’s final presidential address.
"We see this vote as further evidence that The Episcopal Church in the USA in its formal decisions and structures 'have denied orthodox faith.'"
Bishops at the Lambeth Conference, a decennial meeting of Anglican bishops that was held in Canterbury in July and early August, agreed on an immediate halt to homosexual consecrations, blessings for same-sex unions, and cross-border interventions. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams, spoke in his final address, meanwhile, of the desire among bishops to remain in communion and continue working towards a unifying covenant.
Giddings and Sugden were among the hundreds of conservative Anglicans who met in a separate meeting, the Global Anglican Future Conference, in Jerusalem in June to assess the future of orthodox Anglicanism and the Anglican Communion.
The two leaders pointed in their statement to the Jerusalem Declaration issued by GAFCON leaders at the end of their conference, which stated, “We reject the authority of those churches and leaders who have denied the orthodox faith in word or deed. We pray for them and call on them to repent and return to the Lord.”
Giddings and Sugden added, “Anglicans who adhere to the orthodox faith will continue to welcome and receive the ministry of Bishop Bob Duncan as a faithful Bishop and wish him and the people of the Diocese of Pittsburgh the Lord’s blessing in their faithful witness to the gospel."
The orthodox Convocation of Anglicans in North America also said it would continue to recognize Duncan as a bishop of the Anglican Communion, as Bishop of Pittsburgh, and as the moderator of the Common Cause Partnership.
CANA Missionary Bishop Martyn Minns denounced The Episcopal Church’s “hostile and uncanonical action,” saying it would not be accepted by the worldwide Anglican Communion.
“We hope and pray for the leaders of The Episcopal Church that they would protect the interests of its members by working with – rather than fiercely against – its bishops to proclaim the life-transforming news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That should be the goal of all Christians. Sadly, trying to fire a bishop in good standing with the rest of the Anglican Communion does nothing to save one soul,” Bishop Minns concluded.

But the bravest

But the bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them,glory and danger alike, and yet notwithstanding, go out to meet it.
--Thucydides

To know how to say

To know how to say what other people only think, is what makes men poets and sages; and to dare to say what others only dare to think, makes men martyrs or reformers. --
Elizabeth Rundle

Courage Quotes

Cautious, careful people, always casting about to preserve their reputation and social standing, never can bring about a reform.

Those who are really in earnest must be willing to be anything or nothing in the world's estimation, and publicly and privately, in season and out, avow their sympathy with despised and persecuted ideas and their advocates, and bear the consequences. —Susan B. Anthony

All things were made by HIM

"All things were made by HIM..." (John 1:3)
The various created objects in the world are designed to reveal various aspects of God's character. As theologian John Frame has said, everything in creation bears some analogy to God. It is for this reason that Scripture can use extensive symbolism and picture language in describing God. Inasmuch as a created object reveals an aspect of its Creator, it can be used as a symbol to emphasize that aspect of our Creator.

In Scripture we find aspects of God's nature symbolized using inanimate objects - God is the rock of Israel, Christ is the door of the sheep, the Spirit is wind and fire. We find God symbolized by plants - God's strength is like the cedars of Lebanon; Christ is the vine. God can be represented by animals - the lion of Judah, the Lamb of God.
He can perhaps best be compared to human beings - to a father, master, landowner, husband, prophet, priest, king, shepherd. Scripture even says God "is" several abstract concepts - love, truth, light, righteousness.

All this can be boiled down to a single fact: The universe and everything in it reflects some aspect of God's character, points to God. The world does not exist for it's own sake, but as a revelation of its Maker."

Now therefore hearken, O Israel

"Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the Lord God of your fathers giveth you." (Deuteronomy 4:1)

Here we have, very prominently before us, the special characteristic of the entire book of Deuteronomy. "Hearken," and "do," that ye may "live" and "possess." This is a universal and abiding principle. It was true for Israel, and it is true for us. The pathway of life and the true secret of possession is simple obedience to the holy commandments of God. We see this all through the inspired volume, from cover to cover.
God has given us His word, not to speculate upon it, or discuss it; but that we may obey it. And it is as we, through grace, yield a hearty and happy obedience to our Father's statutes and judgments, that we tread the bright pathway of life, and enter into the reality of all that God has treasured up for us in Christ. "He that hath My commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me: and he that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself to him." (John 14:21)

It would be a very serious mistake to suppose that the privilege here spoken of is enjoyed by all believers. It is not. It is only enjoyed by such as yield a loving obedience to the commandments of our Lord Jesus Christ. It lies within the reach of all, but all do not enjoy it, because all are not obedient. It is one thing to be a child, and quite another to be an obedient child. It is one thing to be saved, and quite another thing to love the Saviour, and delight in all His most precious precepts." (C.H. Mackintosh - Deuteronomy)

Transgenderism in Jamaica: A victim's ordeal

At around 2:40am Sunday September 21, 2008 the above photographed victim was befriended by two males at a park in Kingston, pretending to help "her" out. While sitting at a bus stop initially near the park, the two males who were passing by presented themselves as keeping her company, around some time after the men offered to keep her warm, as it turned out this was a front to launch their planned assault on the victim.

The victim who is a pre-operative transsexual presents as a woman so the men believing the victim was female attempted to rape her.

She fought vigorously to be free of her attackers, however not before sustaining the injuries photographed where a knife was used to slash her throat, strangulation and ripping her blouse and pants off, It was at this juncture that realising she was a "he" they inflicted the slashing.

The security guards on the premises nearby were not very helpful, when she tried to seek help partially nude, after escaping her attackers, who by this time made off with her cash amounting to $JA9000.00, a cell phone and other personal effects, one apparently attempted to pull his firearm and told her to get away.

It was a commercial sex worker on the strip who saw her and assisted her by calling the police. They arrived and took her to the hospital and instructed her to file a report after getting medical attention.

She subsequently contacted JFLAG representatives myself Howard Fulton Admin/FInance/Crisis Interventions & Programs Manager Dane Lewis who arrived at the hospital to her aid.

Please pray for this person and thanks to JFLAG.

Thanks.

Keeping In Touch (Meditation)

Colleagues,

Here is my weekly meditation:

NO Pain No Gain- Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me

I suppose many of you know the Christian chorus:

Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me

All his wondrous compassion and purity

O thou Spirit Divine, all my nature refine

Till the beauty of Jesus be seen in me

Whether we are Progressive Christians, traditional Christians or New Age Christians we can all learn something from this song despite the fact that it has some problematic lines. The powerful message it conveys to me is that of transformation. I am called to look at myself and determine whether or not all the qualities, characteristics, behavioural traits that I generate, exhibit and I possess, are the ones that best honour the person I am and want to be.

There are many of us who are dissatisfied with the quality of our lives. Some of us have negative, toxic, destructive habits, those that cause harm and injury to both ourselves and others. Some of us might be consumed with anger and hatred. Others might be addicted to drugs and alcohol. If so do you want to change, do you want the qualities that were present in the life of Jesus Christ as he ministered on earth two thousand years ago to be qualities that are resident in your life and ooze out in your daily relationships?

Then we might have to engage in the corrective action. When it comes to our lives, in particular our character, change, reformation or transformation will require some pain in order to gain. We all know the saying "no pain, no gain." It is true in several instances. In most cases to change our character, we will have to work long and hard.

But rest assured God can provide the secret strength and the inspiration that will cause us to become the men and women of character that we want to become. If you find yourself resisting, fighting, denying, analyzing, or rationalizing your need to change, then you need to take a long hard and honest look at yourself and call a spade a spade. ? Are you ready to change, commit yourself to change, invite God do support you in this quest.

He will cause his Spirit to support you and engage in transformational work in your life.

Rev

Christian Music Artist's Gay Confession Shocks Believers

The Christian blogosphere has been set abuzz since CCM veteran Ray Boltz made public his struggle with and eventual acceptance of his homosexual desires.
News of Boltz’s gay lifestyle has been spreading far and wide after the pro-gay Washington Blade published an exclusive feature last Friday on the Gospel singer, who only four years ago revealed to his family “the darkness and struggle” he was going through.
In the recent interview, Boltz said he denied his sexuality ever since he was a kid, and when he became a Christian in the early 1970s, he “thought that was the way to deal with this.”

“I prayed hard and tried for 30-some years,” he recalled, “and then at the end, I was just going, ‘I’m still gay. I know I am.’ And I just got to the place where I couldn’t take it anymore … when I was going through all this darkness, I thought, ‘Just end this.’”
Boltz, now 55, is best known for the song “Thank You,” which has become a staple of Christian funerals. During his nearly 20-year recording career, Boltz garnered a handful of RIAA Gold-certified albums, three Dove Awards from the Gospel Music Association (GMA) and a string of 12 No. 1 hits on Christian radio. He is regarded as one of the better-known singer/songwriters in Contemporary Christian Music and is a household name among some Christian circles.

Despite his fruitful career and largely happy marriage, which ended recently after 33 years, Boltz said he was in a serious depression. The father of four had been in therapy for years, was on Prozac and other anti-depressants and had been, for a time, suicidal.
Then, on Dec. 26, 2004 – the same day that a massive tsunami rocked South Asia – Boltz finally unleashed to his family what had been bothering him for so many years.
“I just admitted what I was struggling with and what I was feeling,” he told the Blade, noting that it was hard to say that was the moment he “came out.”
“It’s hard to go, ‘This is the point where I accepted my sexuality and who I was,’ but I came out to them and shared with them what I’d been going through,” he said.
Since then, Boltz has divorced his wife, moved to Florida, and started dating. Today, he says he lives “a normal gay life.”
In response to the Washington Blade feature, Christians from across the denominational spectrum have been adding their two cents.

“Boltz' addiction apparently is men,” wrote Matt Friedeman, a professor at Wesley Biblical Seminary, Jackson, Miss., in a column published Tuesday on OneNewsNow.
“So, God made him that way...why deny himself,” Friedeman posed, arguing against Boltz’s claim that God made him gay.
“Another man's addiction is alcohol (or in Boltz's terms — God made me this way ... this is how I will drink); but who among us would say, ‘Good...drink then for His glory!’ Or how about the addictions to pornography, to child molestation, to crack cocaine, to arson? ‘Good...this is the way I'm going to live...God made me this way...when I get drunk I feel his pleasure?’”
J. Lee Grady, editor of Charisma magazine, meanwhile, admitted to ”immediately … composing a biblical lecture in my head” after news of Boltz’s confession broke out.

Continue >>

Archbishop attacks Anglican hypocrisy over gay relationships (Wales)

The leader of the Anglican Church in Wales has said he is hopeful there can be resolution among the worldwide Communion on the issue of gay priests and same-sex relationships.
Archbishop Barry Morgan warned that an attempt "to force Provinces to make decisions, when they are not ready to decide, it will all end in tears."
He also questioned why so much attention is given to the issue of gay people in the church.
Presenting a report to the 144 members of the Governing Body of the Church in Wales on the recent Lambeth Conference, he had some stark questions for the gathered bishops, elected clerics and lay people.
"Why is it that as far as Anglicanism is concerned, we do not interpret the Scriptures literally when it comes to issues such as usury or marriage and divorce to name but two, but insist on a literal interpretation of texts that allegedly deal with homosexuality?" he asked.
"It is difficult to believe that we have boxed ourselves into this particular corner.
"Allegorical, symbolical and mythical interpretations are allowed and have been allowed from the time of the early church Fathers to the present day for every part of the Bible, except for those that deal with homosexuality and one is also left wondering why there cannot be diversity on this issue as on so many other moral issues.
"We need to remember that one of the glories of Anglicanism has been about being held together by our beliefs as contained in historic creeds and formulas but not by agreement to particular statements about that faith in each generation."
Earlier this month leaders of the Anglican Church in Wales played down suggestions that a prominent gay man could be selected as the next Bishop of Bangor.
While the names under consideration are secret, a spokeswoman for the Church said that the electoral college would be advised by the bishops in Wales to respect the "moratorium on the consecration of bishops in same-sex partnerships."
The ban on new gay bishops was requested by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, at the Lambeth Conference in August.
The revelation that respected theologian Dr Jeffrey John is being considered for the Bishop of Bangor vacancy outraged traditionalists.
Dr John was forced to step down as Bishop of Reading in 2003 by the Archbishop of Canterbury after conservative Anglicans objected to the fact that he was in a gay relationship.
He is now Dean of St Albans.
He entered into a civil partnership with another Anglican clergyman, the Reverend Grant Holmes, in October 2006.
Under House of Bishops guidelines, clerics are allowed to enter into a civil partnership as long as they are not engaging in sexual relations.
In his Presidential address to the Governing Body of the Church in Wales, Dr Morgan described the Lambeth Conference as being about process, rather than results.
"This Conference enabled Bishops, many for the first time, to experience the reality of what it is to belong to the Communion and to appreciate what it is in the words of Archbishop Rowan to have ‘new habits of respect, patience and understanding’," he said.
"For my own part, I believe this Conference has shown us the way forward. The real value of the Communion lies in deepening person to person relationships, diocesan partnerships and a sense of mutual affection.
"I wish that we could now sit still and do nothing.
"The Bishops who were at Lambeth 2008 need time to let the nature of that conference sink into their bones. Sometimes in the Church of God, we want to rush into making decisions.
"We would do well just to stop and reflect."

Han go paki come (When you reach out a hand, good things come back to you)

(When you reach out a hand, good things come back to you.)

Service to others is one of the hallmarks of several great world religions. As people of faith, same gender loving people share with other people of faith the belief that goodness can overcome evil and so we are compelled to do all the good we can to all the people we can just as long as we can. In other words, same gender loving people are committed to lives in which service to others is an important aspect of living for God.

Life always involves giving and receiving. In the gospels, Jesus taught that it was more blessed to give than to receive. Reaching out a hand to offer kindness, love and support is important in all of our lives. Our belief and in fact our hope that good will come out of evil is often challenged by so many acts of evil that seem to be directed at same gender loving people. Many people in our society and even same gender loving people cannot deal with issues of same gender love. Diversity is scoffed at and abuse heaped on persons who are different and too often same gender loving people are the victims of prejudice, bias and hatred and it is difficult to navigate a path of loving service to all of human kind when we live in the midst of a hostile society.

When it comes to hatred and practising wickedness, it is easier to give than to receive. In the world in which we live, hatred, malice, abuse and injustice seem to be a fact of life. We must meet evil with the creative challenge of goodness. It is easy to try to get even with others and render evil for evil. Yet, we can choose to live life on a higher ground. We can choose to be different and not render evil for evil. We must give goodness and do not expect that goodness will be returned to us. Giving ennobles the giver, so yes the Jamaican parable is right when you reach out a hand, good things come back to you (han go paki come).

When evil is handed out we need to deny ourselves and not repay evil for evil. We need to go beyond what the world expects us to be as we pursue a life that is inhabited and energized by the Holy Spirit always remaining open to the sustaining grace of God.
Further, we must be prepared to be overruled by the will of God, to love in the midst of hate.

PRAY

Let us pray for the inner strength to give goodness instead of evil, love instead of hate, engage in acts of peace instead of war, forgiveness instead of hurt, and justice instead of injustice.
Written by MEC

Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed

"Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed . . . by honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true." (2 Corinthians 6:3,8)

Paul says, "Through evil report and good report," he did not stop to explain; a true servant of God has not time for that, and to defend yourself only leads to further charges. We are never to seek to vindicate ourselves when it is a personal matter, but when the Lord's name is dishonoured for His glory we may speak. You never find the Lord defending Himself. Your character may not be vindicated down here. Jesus died under a cloud.

He was never cleared in this world of the false accusations that had been made against Him. The will of God was the only law of Christ's life. He was never governed by human considerations or affections. Are we set upon this - that the will of God should be our only law?

A soul who is in the secret of the divine mind must be content to be unappreciated and to walk alone. If we are not in the path of God's will we are not in the path of power. Our true wisdom is in subjection to the will of our Lord.

To human eyes no plan of taking Jericho could have been more foolish than that which Joshua adopted; but it was God's plan, and hence its complete success. (Edward Dennett - Footprints for Pilgrims)

What doth it profit, my brethren

"What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, and one of you say unto them, depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works." (James 2:14-18)

A rich farmer, during his prayer at family worship one day, petitioned God long and earnestly that help for their bodily needs might be sent to a poor family living nearby. His small son was observed to be in deep thought afterwards, and at last he ran to his father with a bright face. "Daddy," said the child, "you can answer your prayer for the poor Smiths, yourself, can't you?"

That is a modern interpretation and a very pungent application of the great passage quoted above. "My little children," says the loving-hearted John, "Let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth." (1 John 3:18). From this we learn that emotional fervour and eloquent expressions are of little value; but, that practical deeds are of vital importance.
(Henry Durbanville - Winsome Christianity)

"For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures.

"For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures." (1 Corinthians 15:3)

"Christ died for out sins." That is the brief record of the greatest and most wonderful event in God's moral universe. The patriot dies for his country; the martyr dies for his faith; the loving and devoted mother would willingly die for her suffering child; and "peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die." (Romans 5:7)

Self-sacrifice is common enough, and it is noble, beautiful. But, the self-sacrifice of Christ! Is there anything to compare with it? Comparison is impossible. It has no parallel, and can have none. It is altogether exceptional and unique. "Christ died for OUR SINS."
Of no one else can that be said in the sense in which it is it said of Him. Of no one is it said.
Of no other being in the universe could it be said. And it could not have been said of Him if He had not been God as well as man. And now,

"Through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: and by Him all that believe are justified." (Acts 13:38) (Christian Truth - Vol. 15 - May 1962)

I will never leave thee nor forsake thee

"I will never leave thee nor forsake thee." (Hebrews 13:5)

One time a Christian man was walking with John Wesley. Rehearsing his many troubles, he said he did not know what to do. They approached a stone fence, over which a cow was looking. "Why is that cow looking over the wall?" Wesley asked. "I don't know," replied the man.

"I'll tell you," said Wesley: "because she can't look through it. That is what you must do with your troubles - look over them." In Christ we can look over our troubles.

We cannot see through many of the things we are called upon to bear in life; but trusting the Lord, we can look over them, for has He not proven his infinite love and care for us! (Selected)

Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord

"Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord." (Exodus 14:13)

"Sit still . . . until thou know how the matter will fall." (Ruth 3:18)"

Be still, and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10)
How difficult, yet how essential it is, to be still. How we tend to be impatient, to be restless, and to be always hurrying. But whether for salvation, for guidance, or for comfort, we must learn to be still and wait for Him who, in His own time, will graciously come to our aid and meet our need. (Jim Flanigan)

Be still, my soul - the Lord is on thy side;Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;

Leave to thy God to order and provide,In every change He faithful will remain.(Katherina von Schlegel)

Words of Wisdom from the Bible

• A word fitly spoken in like apples of gold in pictures of silver. -- Proverbs 25:11
  
• Let thy words be few. -- Ecclesiastes 5:2
  
• The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself. -- Ecclesiastes 10:12
  
• Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city. -- Ecclesiastes 7:19
  
• And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding -- Daniel 2:21
  
• Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken; lest thou hear thy servant curse thee: for oftentimes also thine own heart knoweth that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others. -- Ecclesiastes 7:21-22
  
• Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Spirit teaches. -- Corinthians 2:13
  
• Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honor, when thou dost embrace her.She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many.I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble. Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.
  Proverbs 4:7-13
  

Look from the top

"Look from the top." (Song of Solomon 4:8)

This is a splendid word for a busy day with its crush of work of all sorts. If we get caught in the crush and pushed down, so to speak, the next thing we know is that we are groveling in the dust. Things are on the top of us, we are not on the top of anything. So the word comes, "Look from the top". Come with Me from all that, come up the mountain with Me, "look from the top". In every-day life this simply means, look from everything up to the Lord Jesus, Who is our Peace, our Victory and our Joy, for we are where we look. From below, things feel impossible, people seem impossible (some people at least), and we ourselves feel most impossible of all. From the top we see as our Lord sees; He sees not what is only, but what shall be. He is not discouraged, and as we look with Him, our discouragement vanishes, and we can sing a new song. (Amy Carmichael - Edges of His Ways)

But when from mountain top,
My Lord, I look with Thee,
My cares and burdens drop
Like pebbles in the sea.
The air is clear,
I fear no fear,
In this far view
All things are new.

Therefore we labour (make it our aim)...

"Therefore we labour (make it our aim)... that we may be accepted (well pleasing to) of HIM." (2 Corinthians 5:9)

A brilliant young concert pianist was performing for the first time in public. The audience sat enthralled as beautiful music flowed from his disciplined fingers. The people could hardly take their eyes off this young virtuoso. As the final note faded, the audience burst into applause. Everyone was standing - except one old man up front. The pianist walked off the stage crestfallen. The stage manager praised the performance, but the young man said, "I was no good, it was a failure." The manager replied, "Look out there, everyone is on his feet except one old man!" "Yes," said the youth dejectedly, "but that one old man is my teacher."
Do we have the same desire for God's approval as that pianist had for his teacher's praise? Our Lord's approving smile is what really matters. But what is it that delights His heart? First, there is faith (Hebrews 11:6). Then, there are two special sacrifices: "the sacrifice of praise," and remembering "to do good and to communicate (share)" (Hebrews 13:15,16). Such sacrifices please God.
Let's make it our goal as we enter each day to please the heavenly Father as Jesus did (John 8:29). Whether we work in the limelight or labor unnoticed behind the scenes, when we do our task with faith, diligence, thankfulness, and caring, God is pleased. But more wonderful still, He helps us by "Working in you that which is well pleasing in HIS sight, through Jesus Christ" (Hebrews 13:21).

Tutu chides Church for gay stance

South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu has criticised the Anglican Church and its leadership for its attitudes towards homosexuality.
In an interview with BBC Radio 4, he said the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, had failed to demonstrate that God is "welcoming".
He also repeated accusations that the Church was "obsessed" with the issue of gay priests.
He said it should rather be focusing on global problems such as Aids.
"Our world is facing problems - poverty, HIV and Aids - a devastating pandemic, and conflict," said Archbishop Tutu, 76.
"God must be weeping looking at some of the atrocities that we commit against one another.
"In the face of all of that, our Church, especially the Anglican Church, at this time is almost obsessed with questions of human sexuality."
Criticising Dr Williams, he said: "Why doesn't he demonstrate a particular attribute of God's which is that God is a welcoming God."
'Extraordinarily homophobic'
Archbishop Tutu referred to the debate about whether Gene Robinson, who is openly gay, could serve as the bishop of New Hampshire.
He said the Anglican Church had seemed "extraordinarily homophobic" in its handling of the issue, and that he had felt "saddened" and "ashamed" of his church at the time.
Asked if he still felt ashamed, he said: "If we are going to not welcome or invite people because of sexual orientation, yes.
"If God, as they say, is homophobic, I wouldn't worship that God."
Dr Williams has been working to limit divisions between liberal and traditionalist Anglicans that came to the fore following Bishop Robinson's consecration in 2003.
Following his plea for compromise, leaders of the Episcopal Church in the US agreed to halt the consecration of gay priests as bishops, to prevent a split in the Anglican Communion.
In the interview, Archbishop Tutu also rebuked religious conservatives who said homosexuality was a choice.
"It is a perversion if you say to me that a person chooses to be homosexual.
"You must be crazy to choose a way of life that exposes you to a kind of hatred.
"It's like saying you choose to be black in a race-infected society."

Rev Keeping in Touch

Colleagues,

I hope you are all doing well and that you did not suffer much loss during he passing of Gustav.

Vessel of Honour- Instrument that is used for good

There are points in our life when we need to take a hard long look at ourselves, see our selves for what we really are and deal with it. We might be men and women of faith who are striving after higher spiritual virtues and are having good success. On the other hand, there might be those of us who are experiencing defeat after defeat. Hard thinking about the quality and quantity of virtues that are resident and evident in our lives is always important. Honest introspection is always a wonderful thing especially when it leads us to successfully resolve to strengthen what needs to be strengthened and to weed out what needs to be removed. What is it in your life that needs to be strengthened? What is in your life that needs to be removed? Get in touch which yourself. If there are habits of mind that have enwrapped you and are preventing you from living totally and completely for God, then your life might be enveloped in spiritual barrenness. We need to make an honest assessment of our character.

Most people I know want to walk the way of godliness and righteousness but like the apostle St. Paul, we often cry, the good I would, I do not and the evil I detest, I find myself engaged in it nevertheless. That was his assessment of himself. Of course, for St. Paul and for others too, the Spirit of God is the Great Enabler, helping us to walk in newness of life or in the Spirit and to live the transformed life, a life that is oriented to God, completely illumined by the Spirit. As we make the honest assessment of our character, we might come to realize that we have many deficiencies, let us resolve to pray for inner strength and let us strive to live our lives in commitment to God.

At the end of the day do you want to be a vessel of honor, an instrument that is used to impact in powerful ways and for good, the lives of others? I want to be that instrument that touches other human lives in wonderful ways, I want to be a vessel of honour and I believe you want to be one too.

Rev

Every hoe have dem stick a bush (every hoe, the garden tool has a stick for it to be used)

(Literally for every size hoe, there is a stick that size out there in the bushes for it. Further, there is someone/something out there for every one of us.)

This proverb calls our attention to diversity, to each his or her own. Each individual regardless of physical appearance, socio-economic status, academic accomplishment and other benefits of ones socialization can rest assured that there is another individual out there that he or she can connect with in a unique and special way. It therefore reminds us of our uniqueness as individuals. 

This has special relevance for us as same gender loving people. We too are fearfully and wonderfully made. We must never forget this fact and we must readily affirm God’s goodness to us. At the same time the proverb could very well be a reminder that we are made for a special purpose and openness and receptivity to the Spirit is always needed.

Sometimes people are burdened by a sense of unworthiness. In fact same gender loving people in our society are oftentimes even more oppressed because the norms and mores of the society can be extremely oppressive with respect to teachings and traditions concerning sexual orientation. 

The teaching that there is a stick for every size hoe (every hoe have dem stick a bush) is a comforting reminder that our creation was a preeminently special act of God. Further, God’s care and concern can be evidenced in how his purposes work for our well being and welfare even though there are those who try to thwart his purposes by harming us. It therefore means that we can express confidence in God‘s goodness and loving-kindness. Further, because of our confidence in the goodness of God, we can live a life of obedience to God and dependence. We can depend on the Spirit to energize and support us in our quest to live noble lives.

Do you believe that you were created for a special purpose?

Do you believe that you have someone that you were created to share your life with some one or for some special cause? 

This perspective on life could determine how you live your life. How are you living your life?

PRAY

Let us give thanks for our creation, preservation and all the blessings of this life. Let us pray that God purposes for our lives will become clear to us and pray for the willingness to allow the Spirit to dwell in us and guide us.

Written by MEC

Cock Mouth kill Cock (Part 1)

Yes, Cock mouth Kill Cock!!!
(the cock's or rooster's mouth will kill him) (The words we say can come back to haunt us)

No, no, No!

Get your mind out of the gutter. I not talking about that part of the human anatomy at all. Is a Jamaican saying that me sure yuh hear yuh mother using. And it simply mean seh yuh can make big pronouncements that come back round to haunt you. So watch yuh mouth.

In other words, for those of us who have a difficult time with our own Jamaican language- Be careful what you are saying because you might be signing your own death warrant with your own words. Words have power! The Bible somewhere (forgive me I’m not a bible scholar) says that “the power of life and death is in the tongue.” Now, the death that I’m speaking of is not necessarily the literal physical death. Sometimes it’s the death of your dreams or your friendship or even your love life.

Kibba yuh mouth. Yuh chat too much!

Yes, sometimes we really do talk too much and that can have horrible effects on different aspects of our lives. This one is for those who feel that you need to tell everyone who you are sharing your bed with and who you are sharing your life with. Notice I said everyone. I know that in this period of enlightenment, most people believe that in order to really say you are being true to yourself you have to let everyone know your sexual and lifestyle preferences. If that’s how you feel, then by all means go for it, but please be aware that you may be setting yourself up for unnecessary pain later on. And I say it’s unnecessary because people who are more discerning will be better able to be clear as to who they should share their business with.

The man on the streets has no rights to know your bedroom business. Your coworkers and acquaintances and your gym buddies don’t need to know your lifestyle choices. Stop going begging for approval from those who don’t deserve to be given so much power over your life and your choices. And if you’re not sure how to decide whether or not this person deserves to know your business, here is a simple way to help you decide. Ask yourself this question: “When was the last time this person came up to me and volunteered information about THEIR bed business?” If the answer to that is never, then you have your answer. And if you have strangers who are volunteering information about their sexual lives, then please feel empowered to call either the asylum at Bellevue or police hotline.

So then, let’s talk about friends and siblings and parents. If you are feeling compelled to tell your parents that you naturally prefer the same sex, then first of all ask yourself these questions:

Why do I want them to know? (Is it just to make me feel less guilty or do I think they are smart and mature enough to deal with this information)

How will they deal with the situation? (Will they throw stones, or throw a party or throw you out? - )

Are you emotionally, financially and mentally prepared to deal with their reaction (especially if they throw you out).

(Most Important) – Is it really any of their business?

When you get through those questions with favourable results, then by all means chat yuh business.

Until then,

kibba yuh mouth. (close your mouth)

Nicholas Steven Bruce
nicholasstephenbruce@gmail.com

Our Rev Keeping in Touch (Repost)

Dear Colleagues,

I hope you are all keeping dry and warm as Tropical Storm Gustav advances towards Jamaica I trust all will go well for you and yours in this time of heightened concern.

Listening to our hopes instead of our fears

Michelle Obama challenged the attendees and I guess Americans in general at the Democratic Party National Convention in Denver, Colorado, USA on Monday night to listen to their hopes and instead of their fears as they head to the polls come November. She wanted posterity to be able to say "how this time we listened to our hopes, instead of our fears. How this time, we decided to stop doubting and to start dreaming."

I thought that was a wonderful statement and it certainly ignited my thoughts and imagination.Hope is an important ingredient in our lives and certainly in many religions hope is an important part of their teachings and the overall outworking of the purpose of human life. Hope in God, we were constantly reminded as we were socialized in the Jewish Christian tradition. Today, regardless of how we definite ourselves, as men and women of faith we continue to hope in a future that is brighter and better. We come together for worship and fellowship to strengthen each other and to demonstrate in very tangible ways the radiance of our hope in the unfailing love of God, but also in that which is possible when we support each other in our quest to live the best and most fulfilling life. We hope together, and further we work together for the dawning of that new day when justice will roll down like a river and equity, equality and righteousness like a mighty stream.

Our coming together as partners on a journey of faith is a poignant signal that we refuse to give up the belief that good will overcome evil in the final analysis. So let us continue to do the good and work for the good. We cannot give up the hope that this fair isle, Jamaica land we love will also see the dawning of this new day of justice, equality, righteousness, hope and love. Let us listen to this our hopes instead of our fears and work together for our hopes of a better and brighter tomorrow.

Best wishes,

Rev