Dear Editor,
During the episode about Christopher “Dudus” Coke a number of pastors met at a conference and the incident of “Dudus” and Al Miller came up as an informal discussion. Many of us were confused when the question was asked: If we were in the shoes of Rev Al Miller, what would we do?
Our theological training does not include criminology, and we were not trained on how to handle issues such as criminals surrendering their guns and dealing with crimes and reporting criminals. We were left to make our own decisions, believing that the grace of God is sufficient for us.
This incident has opened our eyes to many things, especially how we should caution ourselves on blending theology with legal affairs, differentiating compassion from State affairs and seeking counselling from law enforcement agents that may be different from pastoral counselling.
Undoubtedly, Rev Dr Al Miller is a noted leading pastor in Jamaica, and we salute his pastoral responsibilities over this nation. We appreciate the help he has rendered in raising up leaders, families and his motivational conferences on economic affairs.
I wish to say to Rev Al Miller, do not be discouraged by the many church leaders and those whose mouths are opened to swallow you; they have done that to other respectable pastors. Their mouths are like sepulchres and fingers tear into pieces. Do not relent in your efforts in your pastoral callings over this nation.
I appeal to our respected legal system to please remember mercy whenever the sentence will be given.
Be strong, Rev Al Miller, and the membership of the Fellowship Tabernacle Church, for there are more with you than those that are against you.
Bishop Dr Joseph Ade-Gold
Joadegold@yahoo.com
During the episode about Christopher “Dudus” Coke a number of pastors met at a conference and the incident of “Dudus” and Al Miller came up as an informal discussion. Many of us were confused when the question was asked: If we were in the shoes of Rev Al Miller, what would we do?
Our theological training does not include criminology, and we were not trained on how to handle issues such as criminals surrendering their guns and dealing with crimes and reporting criminals. We were left to make our own decisions, believing that the grace of God is sufficient for us.
This incident has opened our eyes to many things, especially how we should caution ourselves on blending theology with legal affairs, differentiating compassion from State affairs and seeking counselling from law enforcement agents that may be different from pastoral counselling.
Undoubtedly, Rev Dr Al Miller is a noted leading pastor in Jamaica, and we salute his pastoral responsibilities over this nation. We appreciate the help he has rendered in raising up leaders, families and his motivational conferences on economic affairs.
I wish to say to Rev Al Miller, do not be discouraged by the many church leaders and those whose mouths are opened to swallow you; they have done that to other respectable pastors. Their mouths are like sepulchres and fingers tear into pieces. Do not relent in your efforts in your pastoral callings over this nation.
I appeal to our respected legal system to please remember mercy whenever the sentence will be given.
Be strong, Rev Al Miller, and the membership of the Fellowship Tabernacle Church, for there are more with you than those that are against you.
Bishop Dr Joseph Ade-Gold
Joadegold@yahoo.com