Resist the temptation of Indifference

The Jamaica Baptist Union (JBU) continues to be deeply troubled by the wanton disregard for the gift and sanctity of human life, as well as, for the diminishing respect for law and order which is violating our dignity and undermining the moral fabric of our society. We lament the callous and cold-hearted way in which too many of us treat each other. We appeal to each other’s conscience to acknowledge and confess that sporadic expressions of outrage are not enough to deepen our collective regard and reverence for the image of God, so graciously bequeathed us by a benevolent Creator.

While we are mindful of the dangers of attempting to itemize the all too many incidents, lest it is felt that only some lives matter, we are constrained to call to mind:

1. The four police officers who were gunned down in the wee hours of June 12, 2020 while in the course of their legitimate duty, two of whom have since died. We categorically condemn this cowardly and brazen attack on the state and hasten to assure hurting family members of our sincere prayers to our just God. In the same breath, we encourage forthright cooperation with the investigating authorities, even as we reaffirm our commitment to fearlessly counter the “informer fi dead culture.”
2. Jodian Fearon, a 23-year-old pregnant woman, whose death under tragic circumstances continues to tug at our hearts. Whilst it is expected that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions will soon be in a position to give recommendations in respect of the ongoing criminal investigation, we wish to record how dismayed we are at the manner in which a person in dire need of medical care was reportedly treated. While we salute our health care providers for their sterling service in challenging circumstances, we urge the implementation of robust systems designed to prevent a recurrence of this tragic experience.
3. Susan Bogle, a 44-year-old disabled woman, who lost her life while in her home in August Town in what appears to be yet another controversial shooting involving the security forces. The grieving family remains in our prayerful thoughts and we encourage the authorities to conduct a quick and thorough investigation of this incident. In this regard, we implore the residents of the community to cooperate with the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) in providing statements to assist in uncovering the factual circumstances under which Ms. Bogle lost her life.
4. Noel Chambers, a Jamaican citizen who died in prison after over forty years without trial. What can we say? A human being was overlooked and forgotten by a system that needs to remember that justice delayed is justice denied. We appreciate the efforts being made to improve our justice system and pray that the death of Noel Chambers will not be in vain, but that all others currently lost in the corridors of our criminal justice and correctional systems will be speedily and humanely dealt with.
5. And, how can we forget young Jasmine Dean, a visually-impaired 22-year-old student of the University of the West Indies, who has not been seen since February 27 of this year. The pain of not knowing what has happened to their loved one must be unimaginable for her family. It is beyond belief that no one knows what has happened to Jasmine! We call upon those who have information to put themselves in the shoes of her family and speak up.  

The above are but samples of some of the most dreadful incidents that have blotted our common life together in recent times. The memory of these atrocities must significantly impact all who desire well for Jamaica. As such, we exhort all well-thinking Jamaicans who hold fast to the spirit of our national motto, that out of many we are one, to remember and live by the Golden Rule.

As church, we confess our lack of continued vigilance and adherence to the tenets of our faith. We have not done enough to intentionally ensure that we treat each other the way we want to be treated. We recommit to redoubling our efforts at being what God has called us to be, and that is, an alternative community that challenges the status quo and systems of power.

We reaffirm our mandate to speak out against unjust social and political structures, against unjust economic conditions, against any and every violation of human rights, precisely because every person has been created by God, redeemed by Christ and, therefore is of inestimable worth. Ours remain a relentless cry echoing the words of the prophet, Amos: “Let justice roll down like a river and righteousness as a never failing stream!” (5:24).

We challenge our Government, politicians, leaders, shapers and influencers of thought, all Jamaicans, to envision a country that has no place for indifference. Let us rise to the challenge of imagining and creating a Jamaica where we all matter because we place the highest premium on the value of human life.