Pastor rejects Warmington’s criticism of $75m allocation for rebuilding of churches

Bishop Dr Alvin Bailey, president of Jamaica Evangelical Alliance, is rejecting lawmaker Everald Warmington's criticisms of the Government's $75-million allocation to churches for reconstruction following Hurricane Melissa.

"It is disappointing when intelligent, high-profile public servants display gross ignorance and insensitivity in their public utterances,” Bailey said in a statement.

The hurricane caused widespread damage across Jamaica, leaving hundreds of churches either damaged or destroyed, particularly in western Jamaica.

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness announced the allocation on December 23. “We want to acknowledge the churches [and] the faith-based institutions for all that they have done, and to let them know that they are an important part of the recovery and reconstruction effort, and we won’t leave them out,” he said.

Warmington, Member of Parliament for St Catherine South Western, told Television Jamaica that the allocation “can’t build back churches” and suggested that congregations should combine memberships into fewer buildings rather than rebuild multiple structures.

“Because most of these churches, anyhow on a Sunday don’t have anybody in them, very few people are in these churches. So, the best they can do is to combine the membership at one location instead of having all these structures all over the place,” he said. He further questioned the use of taxpayer money, noting that many Jamaicans do not attend church.

"There's a separation of church and state. So, I don't see why the government would be stepping up to rebuilding these churches. It's not our duty. I'm not against the church. I'm a part of the church. ...Taxpayer funds should not be going to religious institution, organisation in this fashion, added Warmington, who is a member of the ruling Jamaica Labour Party.

In response, Reverend Bailey said Warmington was overstepping and was displaying "gross ignorance".

“Minister Warrington’s position as member of parliament does not give him the right or authority to speak to or on behalf of the church in Jamaica or any entity of it,” Bailey said.

Bailey pointed to contributions of churches and faith-based organizations to Jamaica’s hurricane recovery efforts. He also argued that many donors "expect the church and church people to benefit from their billions of dollars they have donated".

The clergyman also highlighted the wider role of churches in Jamaican society, including their contributions to education, social services, volunteerism, moral and ethical guidance, culture, and religious observances.

“From his own admission, the Church is one of the two fundamental constructs of the Nation. The State being the other. The decision of his government to give money to the Church should be very instructive, temper his arrogance, and wisely advise him against insensitive utterances,” Bailey said.

The $75-million allocation is part of the government’s initiative, delivered through the Social Development Commission (SDC), to assist churches and faith-based institutions in rebuilding their facilities in the most affected constituencies.

Prime Minister Dr Holness has emphasized the role of churches in hurricane relief and their collaboration with government agencies.

Bailey concluded, “It is only good sense that if the Jamaican Government desires to benefit from the goodwill of Christians and Christian organizations locally and in the Diaspora, that the gesture of $75M is deserving. At best, the outburst of Minister Warrington is unfortunate and definitely does not represent the views of Government.”

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Desmond McKenzie said the $75-million allocation will benefit churches across the five parishes most affected by the hurricane.

“The Social Development Commission will be responsible for working with the churches to get the information. Once the assessment is done, based on those assessments, whatever amount that will be required to assist our churches in getting themselves back [will be disbursed],” he stated.

McKenzie added that, where possible, further assistance will be extended to churches across the island.

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