Pastors can be politicians

Dear Pastor,

Actions speak louder than words. While some pastors speak eloquently with goodsounding words, their actions are the opposite.

If the pastors are vying for public office, they should practise the principles of Christ, demonstrate honesty, truthfulness, and righteous living.

Being part of a political party can contribute greatly to the upliftment of the country.

At the pulpit, they preach the Word of God, and on the political scene, they preach the Word of God and put actions to it. King David was the head of a nation and so was Solomon.

E.R.

Dear E.R.,

I believe that what you are trying to say is that you support men of the cloth to become active in politics and to hold political office. Evidently, you were listening to my show when we discussed whether ministers of religion should become members of political parties.

It is not just whether a minister of religion should support a political party, but whether he should become a member and pay his dues and run for political office. Some people believe that to become active in politics and seek political office is wrong. They see politics as dirty and corrupt. Others believe that Christian leaders can make a great difference in leading this country in the right direction.

Perhaps in this general election we will indeed see more religious leaders stepping forward and becoming more active in politics.

It would be wrong for anyone to judge them if they take the position that they can make a difference in society.

No one should condemn a religious leader if he or she believes that part of his calling is to put himself before the people of Jamaica as a politician.

Pastor