JAMAICA
The Gleaner
Allegations of sexual abuse against children by some church leaders have triggered strong condemnation from at least two clergymen, who have urged victims to report the perpetrators to the police.
The Reverend Dr Clinton Chisholm, lecturer at the Jamaica Theological Seminary, described the allegations as appalling, arguing that he lacked sympathy for anyone who violated the innocence of a child sexually.
“Apart from going to the police, which would be the primary resort, a report should be made to the leadership of the local church where the person is a pastor, so that they are aware of the misdeed that has been done,” Chisholm said.
According to the theologian, people are scared of saying things about pastors who wield a lot of power over their congregation. He said people can be intimidated into thinking that if you speak against clerics, judgment would befall you. However, he argued that there should be no fear of judgment from God when a wrong has been perpetrated against a child and the matter is reported to the authorities.
“They intimidate people’s minds by saying, ‘Touch not the Lord’s anointed,’ as if in their badness they should still be regarded as anointed. It is really abominable,” Chisholm added.
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