The reality of slavery

THE EDITOR, Madam:

ALTHOUGH SLAVERY was abolished in 1838 in Jamaica, 'freedom' for the majority of the people was not an immediate reality. For many, there was a sense of misgiving and hopelessness, as if they were drifting on the edge of a periphery. Physically speaking they were free, but socially, economically and politically they were still enslaved by the colonial system. A system which, over time, some were able to rise above, whilst others allowed themselves to be mentally entrapped.

It was no surprise therefore that during the 1960s social unrest was rife, and the need to identify with one's heritage became the order of the day for many people of African ancestry. Equality and justice was the theme song, and liberation was the banner headline. And so the people, prompted by the philosophies and opinions of Marcus Garvey, looked to Africa (Ethiopia) for their 'salvation'.

Behold the call was answered, as the then Emperor of Ethiopia, His Imperial Majesty, Haile Selassie I, saw the needs of the people not only from a social perspective, but from a religious one as well. And so, amidst much fanfare, publicity and excitement, the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church was born in Jamaica on May 23, 1970. The people rejoiced; they came out in their thousands to witness and to be witnessed to, because their 'salvation' had finally come.

But alas, some were greatly disappointed. The church had come yes, but it was not what they had expected. To begin with, many had not expected a clergyman from Africa to be conducting baptism with water, and in the name of Jesus Christ only; secondly, attending service in a 'Babylon church' (which had so kindly offered the use of their premises) was unheard of. And on, and on, they rambled. It's been 30 years, and still many have failed to acknowledge, or worse yet to accept the truth about the church.

The Ethiopian Orthodox Church came upon request for the salvation of those who were in darkness. It came to declare its founder Jesus Christ as the Lord and Saviour of mankind. It came to help us to identify with our heritage, spiritually, culturally and socially. For 30 years the nation has been misled into believing that the Orthodox Church is one which worships idols, and practices illegal and illicit acts outside of the realm of God. How much longer will they continue to live in darkness?

Opinion

In my opinion, for much of its 30 years, the sustained development of the Ethiopian Orthodox in Jamaica has been near stagnant; whatever growth that exists is minimal; because many have refused to accept Jesus Christ as the one and only Redeemer. They have refused to accept the salvation that was relentlessly lobbied and begged for when the church was requested.

Notwithstanding however, we the faithful give thanks for the many who have accepted Christianity; for the many who, in the face of humiliation, were converted from the idolatrous worshipping of Emperor Haile Selassie I as the Creator, to the worshipping of the one and only Creator, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Our hearts weep for those who have died before accepting Christ as their Saviour; and for those who, after 30 years, the church has not been able to convert to Christianity. Indeed, isn't it ironic that even Emperor Haile Selassie I, himself an Orthodox Christian, was a confessed believer and worshipper of Jesus Christ!

On 23 May, 2000, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church will celebrate its 30th year in Jamaica. However, it can be said that there is little to celebrate, because the Orthodox Church, established by Christ himself and carried on by the Apostles ­ has not been able to cement itself in the Jamaican society to the extent that it has the respect of the nation. From the beginning, the misconception surrounding the faith of the church was allowed to fester for too long. Today it has become the norm for people to associate the church with all forms of schisms, instead of accepting and respecting it for what it truly is - an authentic Christian church, which declares Jesus Christ as God, and none other.

I am, etc.,

J.J. McDONALD

St. Catherine