Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

THIRTY CHURCHES in Montego Bay, St James, will march in the Second City on Saturday to protest against the levels of disregard for law and order.

"We have decided to unite as the body of Christ for the greater good of all. The Bible says in Psalm 133, 'How good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity … for there, God commands a blessing, even life forevermore'," Pastor Paul Blake of Acts of Faith Ministry said.

The march is being organised by the St James Ministers' Fraternal in association with Errol Rattray Evangelistic Association.

"There'll be several thousands of us putting demons to flight. Also 'if any two of us should agree concerning anything, it will be done by my Father,' says Jesus. We are absolutely convinced that in unity there is strength," Blake said.

Crime-prone area

Widely regarded as the headquarters for lottery-scamming activities, St James has earned the reputation as one of Jamaica's most crime-prone areas. It recorded 136 murders up to November 24, the highest of all 19 police divisions.

Over the same period, St James recorded 154 shootings, 132 robberies and 150 break-ins.

The Acts of Faith pastor said the church fraternity has tried to dissuade errant persons from criminality, an effort which he said has yielded some success. He said the Church has recognised this to be the hour for all denominations to unite to achieve greater results.

Set to begin at 4 p.m., the churches are expected to march from four strategic points in Montego Bay, converging at the historic Sam Sharpe Square for a rally and praise and worship concert.

"Here we will continue to make declarations, tear down strongholds and pray for our city and nation at approximately 6 p.m.," said Blake.

Optimistic that the event will be a success, Blake said this was the first time the churches in Montego Bay have come together in this fashion.

"It's not about any church or denomination," he said, adding that the marchers will be carrying banners and placards and have insisted that no church name be put on any of them.

janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com