Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller and Opposition Leader Bruce Golding participate in a symbolic candle-lighting ceremony yesterday. The two political leaders and other electoral candidates joined in a worship service dubbed 'Heal Our Land' at Faith Cathedral Deliverance Centre in St. Andrew. Both leaders read lessons from the Bible. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

Bishop Herro Blair, pastor of the Faith Cathedral Deliverance Centre in St. Andrew, yesterday warned politicians that the Church will be watching them closely when campaigning resumes tomorrow.

"Our cameras are on zoom lens and we are going to listen to the speeches as of Tuesday," Blair, who is also the Political Ombudsman, told a packed congregation, including Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, Opposition Leader Bruce Golding and several electoral candidates for Kingston, St. Andrew and St. Catherine.

Simpson Miller had last month announced that her party would cease campaigning from July 31 to August 6, and urged the religious community to join in prayer and reflection.

The political campaign has become tense in recent weeks with some candidates trading vitriolic remarks. Vandalism and a number of murders and arson attacks have also been linked to political rivalry.

Church still powerful

Last week, some clerics attending a Gleaner Editors' Forum said the Church was a dismal failure in influencing the nation and its leaders in pursuing justice and political maturity.

But according to Blair, the Church is a powerful force. "I don't care what nobody has to say, it has not lost its powers."

The televangelist conceded that it was impossible to eradicate immorality from the society but warned politicians to be careful of hot-button legislation.

"To legalise the murder of an unborn child and to legalise same-sex marriage - it is not here yet - but it is a slap in the face to the Almighty God," he told the congregation.

petrina.francis@gleanerjm.com