Dear Editor,
The mission of the church and its leaders is not to set up and embrace political institutions and culture. It was never the mission of the church to try to direct and control affairs of state. Jesus taught that there is to be a separation of church and state, viz, “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s” (Matthew 22:21).
There is no justification for the church or any other religious organization seizing the reins of government and attempting to exercise control over men in government.
The mission of the church is to preach the gospel. Preaching the gospel is its primary mission because the church is God’s agency for evangelizing the world. It is also the mission of the church to provide the kind of place where spiritual life can flourish. Another mission is to provide among its members the kind of person that Jesus wants to see. The objective of every church is to produce the likeness of Christ in the lives of its members.
Bishop Edghill told a PPP/C rally at Lusignan, “I believe if Jesus Christ, who I serve, was in Guyana and he had to vote, he would have voted for the PPP/C.“ By saying that, Bishop Edghill is suggesting that Jesus would have subscribed to the agenda and conduct of the PPP/C.
But does the PPP/C have the humility that Jesus manifested while on earth? Do they have the burning zeal and love for men’s souls that Jesus had? Will they turn the other cheek and go the second mile as Jesus did, and as Jesus taught that we should do? Does the PPPC stand for the things that Jesus taught?
I wonder if Jesus would have supported a group that condones the abuse of state power, subscribing to gambling legislation, among other things.
Material goods should not constitute the sole reason for entrance into the political arena. While it is commonly held that the purpose of politics is confined to economic and social development, the Christian must be mindful that besides material goods, the common good also embraces the moral dimension of human life; in fact it holds first place, and we should not embrace those who ignore moral considerations.
Yours faithfully,
Adel Lilly
