Dear Editor,

The Jamaica Debt Exchange (JDX) is a huge success. The IMF has approved Jamaica’s application for a Stand-by Arrangement. These are significant positives in a country dominated by negatives in virtually every sector. Social mayhem is the order of the day and moral and ethical bankruptcy characterises life at every level of the Jamaican society. However, the tide seems to be changing for the better, at least economically. Indeed, it seems this is a game-changing moment in Jamaica’s history.

In light of the preceding, I would like to ask some significant questions regarding the JDX, the IMF, and the church. Is there a role for the church in promoting the JDX and the government’s short- to medium-term economic agenda that has the IMF as a major player? Should the church merely pray for the success of the IMF intervention, given the debilitating and crushing impact it is having and will continue to have for the foreseeable future? How engaged should the church become in helping to shape national economic and social policies in light of the suffering of the poor, which is its main constituency? Where does the church stand in relation to those in the upper classes who continue to cast aspersions on its God, its prayers, and its very existence in a declining social and moral context?

I posit that the church has a moral and biblical obligation to support the Jamaican government’s JDX programme and its general economic plan going forward as long as they are consistent with fundamental human rights. The Apostle Paul in Romans 13 implies that such support lies within the confines of the church’s duality of identity as an entity in this world that belongs to the next. The church’s prayers for the success of the government and its IMF-driven economic plan are warranted and appears to be a given in light of Paul’s injunction to Timothy in I Timothy 2:1-2 (KJV): “I exhort therefore, that first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions and giving of thanks be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” I suggest that the church call a national day of prayer for Jamaica’s economic recovery. This would be consistent with biblical theology of prayer.

I believe, however, that a praying church should also be an active and transforming church. Therefore, the collective Christian presence in Jamaica should come together in forums organised across the country to discuss the economic condition of the country and agree on ways and means of supporting the government for the benefit of the nation as a whole. Christians should continue to volunteer their services on boards and committees and make a difference in this land in terms of policymaking. I believe that when such things happen the sceptical middle and upper classes might take a second look at the church and repent (change their minds/hearts) with respect to their stance on the church and its God. They must note, however, that the church should support rather than lead the task of national socio-economic transformation.

Earlmont Williams

earlmontwilliams@gmail.com