Since the PLP came to power on May 2, 2002, some pastors have taken a new approach to deliver their message. Since the infamous “If you ain’t PLP get out of my church,” speech , some pastors have gotten bolder with their directives. Even if government officials are in the congregation, stern warnings are given. The attitude now is that we will make you or break you!
Such proclamation often had nothing to do with the Scriptures. For example, where in the Bible are there references as to how many low cost housing should be built and for whom? Or how to repatriate illegal immigrants? Undoubtedly, under such circumstances, pastors take opportunities to promote their own personal prejudice and agenda in the name of religion. This is what happened here on Grand Bahama last Easter when ridiculous statements were made with respect to the Cultural Expo.
In fact, some politicians are so intimidated by religious opinion that they will not make a decision without consultation. The big joke in the Bahamas today is that the Honorable Cynthia Pratt is not the Deputy Prime Minister, but a flamboyant pastor who lives in a million dollar house. The recent outburst by the Bahamas Chief Pastor, Bishop Samuel Greene, President of the Bahamas Christian Council cannot go unchallenged by any decent fair-minded Christian person who appreciates the rule of law. Ironically the message that the pastors deliver to guest at Fox “Hell” Prison is to observe the rule of law in particular the ten commandments.
In a most hypocritical fashion, Reverend Greene has violated one of the most fundamental and sacred principles that holds our society together. Yes Reverend Greene did an excellent job on his testimonies on morality supported by relevant scriptures. However, his Guy Fawkes comments has absolutely nothing to do with the scriptures but reflected Reverend Greene’s own personal prejudice. If Reverend Greene was speaking on behalf of the Bahamas Christian Council, such an extreme position should have been debated and ratified by the members before presenting it to the public. By idolizing the terrorist Guy Fawkes, whose evil intention was to blow up the House of Parliament with King James and his Lords inside was both unholy and treason of the first order. Only someone with a mind like Osama Bin Laden would have applauded this evil action. Even after being caught, Guy Fawkes attempted to kick his lantern over to ignite the kegs of gunpowder to kill both himself and his captors. Hence being the first possible suicide bomber in history. However, in complete disbelief, Reverend Greene indicated, that unlike Guy Fawkes, he would not fail but would succeed in blowing up Parliament.
One would expect such outrageous and foolish talk maybe late at night at the fish fry when someone has consumed too much fried barracuda along with a few “cold ones”, where no one would take them seriously. But, this was a historical, national event with many prominent Bahamians in the congregation including Prime Minister Perry Christie. With virtually all the broadcasting and print media in the Bahamas present, clearly the text of this service was to be heard throughout the length and breathe of the Bahamas. Reverend Greene obviously had made a calculated move at the time when the nation was reflecting on 30 years of democracy. Reverend Greene’s statement was therefore most undemocratic.
Whether he realized it or not, Reverend Greene’s statement can amount to a serious offense. With the various immunities and privileges of Parliament,. Members of Parliament cannot be criticized in this fashion. Such threats of intimidation or blackmail are clearly unlawful. One just has to recall the Lionel Dorsett story – “Is the Chief still a thief?” Just mere allegations were made against Prime Minister Lynden Pindling without threats of harm. Lionel Dorsett was immediately hauled into the courts with a possibility of a non-appealable seven year prison term! More recently two members of the Bahamas Democratic Movement handcuffed themselves to the mace in Parliament. They were immediately transported to Central Police Station and charged. So far it is a great disappointment that nothing has yet been heard from Attorney General Alfred Sears’ office. In addition to criminal liability, Reverend Greene may also be guilty of incitement. Certainly, Reverend Greene is a good and decent man here in the Bahamas and probably would never consider such an extremist act. But, there is a danger that those who look up to him might carry out such instruction. That is why those in a leadership role must be careful what message they present to the public. Remember Sir Lynden Pindling’s speech “Time to march on Bay Street.. like Burma Road.” Next thing you know, Shane Gibson, now a Cabinet Minister, and his union members are marching up Bay Street in a reckless and lawless manner.
About a month ago, a fugitive was arrested in North Carolina for murder, having blown up abortion clinics possibly being incited by persons with strong feelings on the issue. When one observes how persons carried on when the gay ship visited Nassau, the lawless criminal activity and denial of constitutional rights could have easily gotten out of hand, not by the leaders, but by enthusiastic supporters whose action are incited by their opinion. Reverend Greene should take a cue from the Reverend Emmett Weir, a Methodist minister here in Freeport. His comments on this affair in the daily, the Freeport News was to the effect that one should “hate the sin, but love the sinner!” This is the fundamental principle on which the doctrine of Christianity developed. From the time Jesus was crucified, the whole point was love and forgiveness, not the bloody violence advocated by Reverend Greene. By some incredible coincidence, one of the songs sang in church today was that “We will know that they are Christians by their love!” That is, Love is the trademark of a Christian. Just look at the unchristian behavior a couple of years ago when a “gay” cruise ship docked in Nassau. These so called Christians were quite prepared to commit criminal acts or to deny others their constitutional rights, wrongly in the name of Christianity.
Finally, it is with great concern that Reverend Greene has been appointed as a member of the Constitutional Commission. Certainly, he has shown his hand and cannot be trusted to give an objective opinion on fundamental or constitutional rights. He should resign forthwith from that commission while simultaneously, apologize for his outrageous and unacceptable behavior.
Sincerely yours,
Dr. Lea Percentie
Freeport, Bahamas
July 27th, 2003
