Balancing Justice, Mission and Ministry as a church
Public Affairs and Religious Liberty (PARL) leaders from across the Caribbean Union of Seventh Day Adventists met on June 8, in Portsmouth, Dominica to discuss the church's position on Crime, the Law & the Response of the Church”
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Attorney Rene Joseph from the Tobago Mission, Professor Ian Green from Trinidad and Pastor Wilfred Desvignes of the Tobago Mission, Mr. Stevenson Byng, Director of Security, at the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC), Attorney Leslyn Charles, President of the Caribbean Union Religious Liberty Association and Attorney Goeffery Letang from Dominica discuss issues on crime the law and the response of the church. Image by Kendell Barrie
Public Affairs and Religious Liberty (PARL) leaders from across the Caribbean Union of Seventh Day Adventists met on June 8, in Portsmouth, Dominica to discuss the church's position on Crime, the Law & the Response of the Church”.
The session formed part of a 4 day congress dubbed Marriage and the Mission where Religious Liberty delegates from all over the Caribbean Union assembled to discuss the mission of the church in the changing social and moral climate of the world.
Set against the background of the story of the good samaritan and its role in the fulfillment of the mission across cultures, Mr. Stevenson Byng, Director of Security, at the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) presented on “Navigating the criminal gang culture in CARU” and emphasized the need for our ministry and presence even in these societies. His eye opening account of the reality of evangelizing and living in one of the most volatile and gang populated communities in Trinidad, highlighted the need for greater knowledge of the areas chosen for the mission.
Mr. Stevenson Byng, Director of Security, at the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) presented on “Navigating the criminal gang culture in CARU” and emphasized the need for our ministry and presence even in these societies. Image by Kendell Barrie.
Explaining the reality of gangs and gang violence and the threat of infiltration into the local church, Byng encouraged the Religious liberty officers to be aware, be on guard, be cautious and create proactive measures to guard against the gang influence.
He admonished. “Christ said, I am sending you as sheep in the midst of wolves, so we need to take heed,be wise and understand the environment in which we are going to work in”,
The church’s response to crime, violence and the threats to religious liberty were further explored in a panel discussion featuring attorneys and other executive members of CARLA.
Professor Ian Green, Floor Member of CARLA commented that the role of the pastor in the community is integral in the mission of the church. “It's important for pastors to see themselves as pastors of the community and not just the church, because the pastor has a role in the community.”
Delegates from across the Caribbean Union were engaged as they listened to the views shared during the session. Image by Kendell Barrie.
This inclusiveness in community based ministry should inform the actions of the church even when members are involved in criminal activities. Attorney Leslyn James, reminded the delegates that justice must prevail, irrespective of who is involved in the crime.
“ We live in a real world, where we have to cope with crime so if something happens in the church then we should handle it in a way that speaks to justice. Not because it's a member, we sweep it under the rug and cover it up. We should speak up, speak loud and let the principles of the church hold fast.” she asserted.
Together, the panel explored the appropriate responses of the church to crime, persecution and exploitation within the parameters of the law while upholding the principles of the bible.
“Love God, love your neighbor, love one another even if we are too busy, too tired, too late, even when you don't know them or like them,” encouraged Public Relations Officer of CARLA, Attorney Susan Sealy.