- WINSTON SILL/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
Human rights advocate Dr. Carolyn Gomes (left) takes part in a demonstration organised by Women's Media Watch at the Church of Dayton Diamond Ridge in St. Andrew on Monday.
Keisha Hill, Gleaner Reporter
THREATS BY Ruby Kelly, founder of the Church of Dayton Diamond Ridge in St. Andrew, against members who leaked to the media the alleged involvement of a deacon in the sexual molestation of a 13-year-old school girl have left many perturbed and angry.
Ms. Kelly, last Sunday, lashed the 'whistle-blowers' in her congregation for bringing the matter to the attention of the media. "I know everyone of them, and I will deal with them," she said. Ms. Kelly also warned the congregation to "prepare you(r) black" - meaning get ready to mourn.
ISSUES OF VIOLENCE
Carolyn Gomes, executive director of Jamaicans for Justice, at last Monday's protest in front of the Dayton Avenue church said such statements by a church leader speaks to issues of violence within the society.
Ms. Gomes said, "The church congregation is failing us when it is condemning those who speak the truth and speak out, who are considered to be breaching the 'informa fi dead culture.' "
"We are horrified that the congregation should be endorsing this sentiment of cursing those who speak the truth," added Dr. Gomes.
Meanwhile, Desmond Richards, president of the Press Association of Jamaica said, "For the Church to cover up such a criminal assault on a child is disgraceful."
Mr. Richards questioned the morality of the members of the church. "While we must not be quick to condemn, we must question the morality of those members of the church who became aware of the attack on the child and did nothing," said Richards. "Such an occurrence is worrying."
The church's founder, Ms. Kelly, had also lashed out at the media during last Sunday's sermon, describing one journalist as a "demon of darkness."
Dennis Charley, a concerned father, who was present at the protest organised by Women's Media Watch, argued that what Kelly does in her church is her business.
However, he noted that if the media had not come out and let the public know what was happening, "we would be totally unaware of this."
Mr. Charley added that, "too much of this is happening in our society and this must stop. The future of Jamaica is being eroded."
In a statement released to the media, Shirley Richards, president of the Lawyers' Christian Fellowship, said that the group is extremely worried about the matter.
"What is extremely worrying," she said "is that there appears to be a defensive attitude as distinct from an attitude of condemnation of the alleged acts, along with sympathy for the victim and repentance for the role which the members played in the dastardly acts."
MOST DISTURBING
Ms. Richard's added that, "It was most disturbing coming from a congregation which has hitherto been known for its stance on matters of morality."
Nigel Coke, communications director at the West Indies Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, said his group affirmed the right of every child to a happy and stable home environment, and the freedom and support to grow up to be the person God intended.
The Adventist church, he said, is not in agreement with the stance taken by the leader of the embattled church. "The persons in authority in the church should let the law run its course. We must not go against the laws of God, neither the laws of the land," said Mr. Coke.
