Who is representing the Christian community here?

Oct 12, 2011 Letters

Dear Editor,
As a minister of the gospel; I am currently observing a disagreeable situation that has presented itself within the confines of Christendom right here in Guyana. If left unchecked it will result in dire circumstances that are capable of degrading this great institution.
Back in the first century, the Christians that comprised the church were simple and humble men and women who were commissioned and empowered by God to represent his kingdom on earth; they were united and organized by chosen leaders who lived exemplary lives.
As knowledge increased and structures were put in place, the church became a highly organized body with popes, cardinals, Archbishops, priest and deacons, who were chosen to oversee and overseer the work. Historical information revealed that some of the methods used for appointment to these offices were questionable and unjustifiable, which resulted in divisions, segregations and classifications.
These in turn led to suppression and intimidation that cost the lives of many.
The paths of righteousness became a hard and difficult road but through it all, God’s timely reminder remained the same; it was Jesus who said “I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
In this regard, the church continued to develop. It moved on to wider geographical expansion. Today, the Pentecostal movement that began in obscurity, in the latter part of the 19th century has now assumed a magnitude that compels world attention due to the ambitions of selfish men who continue to pervert the foundational principles of this great institution.
One such form of perversion involves representation.
It is observed that Christian ministers and church leaders who are recognized figures in society are suddenly delegated to positions of leadership where they are portrayed as representatives of the Christian community in Guyana.
Their lofty positions and close connection to the leading administration give greater force to their importance and designation. Therefore, many are induced to unite with them.
There is absolutely nothing wrong when an intelligent, wise and influential Christian leader seeks a high office or is ambitious enough to lead and represent the Christian community. What is wrong pertains to the failure of that individual to set an example in character and lifestyle. This will result in the condemnation of the said individual by the very institution he or she seeks to represent.
In the Fifth Century AD, the Bishop of Rome thought that he was the most important Bishop among the others. This was due to his prestige and position in civil society, but his character was questionable.
In 445 AD, he was declared as having supremacy over all the churches and for more than a thousand years. This supremacy was never questioned on the continent of western Europe, until the time of the Reformation.
By then much of its original simplicity was lost an it became corrupt in many ways, during that era. One author wrote, “What people have become accustomed to all their lives they often accept as right because they never think of questioning it or enquiring into it.”
Today, the followers of Jesus Christ who comprise the church are not gullible. The true Marks and Entitlement of a leader in God’s kingdom are linked to his or her character, example and lifestyle.
Therefore the influence of highly recognized church officials or overzealous religious figures with questionable lifestyles will never cause the true people of God to compromise their principles or values.
More so, no one is entitled to believe that it is their responsibility to lead or represent the Christian community without proper consultation and approval from all involved.
Therefore Mr. Editor: the question is: who are they representing and on behalf of whom are they speaking?
Rev. Terrence Joseph

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