Recently, two members of the Boulevard Baptist Church told me that at their respective workplaces persons are claiming that I have political ambition, meaning a desire to enter representational politics. One even asked if I was planning to run for the office of councillor. I told him that the only councillor I want to be is to counsel persons in order to help them analyse their situation to make mature, empowering and healing decisions.

This is not the first time that persons have speculated about my political ambition. The first time of which I am aware was during the aftermath of Hurricane Gilbert in September 1988. I was involved in the daily transporting of foodstuff, clothes and toiletries from Montego Bay, St James to Sandy Bay, Hanover.

Reconstruction of houses

I was also involved in the reconstruction of houses in Mount Pelier, another location where I pastored a church. Many of the homes that were located on the hillside of Mount Pelier were flattened. Jerry Dehaney, now inspector of poor in St James, but then a leader within Youth for Christ, introduced me to Mr Yoder from the Mennonite Church, United States, who wanted to help in the reconstruction. One of the projects was the building of public baths and washrooms. At the handing over ceremony of these public conveniences, at which almost the entire community was in attendance, an RJR reporter asked if I was planning to enter representational politics. He told me that I was doing more for the area than the MP and councillor. I told him that I was not interested in representational politics. My involvement in hurricane relief and reconstruction was as a result of my understanding of the outworking of my Christian faith.

No political ambition

I had no political ambition in 1988 and 20 years later in 2008 my position has not changed. I do not have the desire or motivation to enter representational politics. I also believe that the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and People's National Party (PNP) recognise that I have no such aspiration or penchant and so nobody in high or low position has ever approached me about representational politics. The nearest thing to entering representational politics was when a president of the National Democratic Movement (NDM) had asked me to consider becoming a spokesman for the NDM for a certain portfolio.

When I was in Hanover, as secretary of the Hanover Ministers Fraternal, I was integral to the drafting of the political code of conduct and to ensure that it was adhered to, I attended the political rallies. After a PNP meeting at Hopewell, I wrote to Dr Paul Robertson, then general secretary of the PNP, about a breach of the code. He responded and apologised for the behaviour of the speaker. I get involved in the political process but have no ambition in respect of representational politics.

My book, Rebellion to Riot: The Jamaican Church in Nation Building advocates for persons of the Christian faith to get involved in the political process. I encouraged the church to help in the shaping of political parties' manifestos. One does not have to be involved in representational politics to make a contribution to the betterment of Jamaica.

Doctrinal statement

I recall a para-church organisation inviting me to be on its board. However, a requirement was that I had to agree to its doctrinal statement. Unfortunately, I did not agree with some of its beliefs and I was not accepted to serve on the board. If I could not last in a para-church group, I doubt I could survive in the doctrinaire, partisan, political culture of Jamaica.

John the Baptist, though not becoming part of the system, addressed his socio-economic and political situation (Luke 3:1-20) and I understand my role as pastor is to address the context in which the church operates so as to uphold uprightness, equality and justice for all.

Rev Devon Dick is pastor of Boulevard Baptist Church and author of 'Rebellion to Riot: the Church in Nation Building'. Feedback may be sent to columns@gleanerjm.com.