Sean Major-Campbell | The Church has a duty to protect the dignity of all

HUMAN DIGNITY is under threat across the world. Children and minority groups are especially vulnerable as various crises prevail, and various populations face the attendant consequences of war, famine, and disease. Then there is the ever-present threat of fascism and dictatorial approaches which thrive on fearmongering characterised by such actions as xenophobic, homophobic, and transphobic sentiments.

A very important truth is that many people who express various harmful statements and actions may not be readily aware of the potentially dangerous implications of said statements. Our current epidemic of bullying and misogyny did not happen overnight. We have a culture of demeaning women and speaking derisively about the feminine. It is common for boys to hear older boys, and big men, speak in ways that convey the message that women are to be conquered by real men.

In the Bible, men and women complement each other. The creation story conveys the message of complementarity in the relationship between men and women. Men and women need each other. When they work together, they build a better community for all. Within the will and purpose of God, neither has more dignity than the other. Human dignity is equally bestowed on all human beings.

This is why the Church and wider religious community has a duty to advance and protect the dignity of all Jamaicans and fellow human beings within our shores. Many who will not speak publicly have expressed to me their shock at the recent call on the political stage for TOK’s Chi-Chi Man song, internationally recognised for a call to violence. The term “chi chi man” is a Jamaican pejorative for a gay man.

Equality For All Foundation (EFAF) ,in response to Minister Daryl Vaz’s alleged call for TOK’s song, has called for a public apology on the part of the minister.

In its press release, Stand Up For Jamaica has noted, “This moment should serve as a reminder of the ongoing work needed to make Jamaica a place where everyone — regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity — feels safe, valued, and respected. We must continue to challenge the normalisation of homophobic behaviour and rhetoric, especially in public spaces and leadership forums. Inclusion should not be a debated ideal, but a shared commitment.”

The Gleaner of Monday, May 26, notes, “JFJ strongly supports EFAF’s demand for an immediate apology from MP Vaz for actions unbecoming of his office. Such behaviour is particularly egregious from those entrusted to lead the charge in advancing legislative protections, including the urgent need for an anti-discrimination law and amendments to the Jamaican Constitution …” Jamaicans for Justice was speaking in support of the call from EFAF’s concern. JFJ further went on to observe, “When political leaders engage in or endorse discriminatory rhetoric, they not only betray their responsibility to champion these changes but also erode public confidence in their potential for societal and behavioural change among others. If those tasked with shaping our law act in ways that perpetuate harm, how can we expect broader social progress?”

While wider civil society is not readily welcomed by many from the political divide, it is profoundly true that countries which have made significant accomplishments in their protections of human rights and dignity owed much to the committed work of said civil society.

The very important point should be made that politicians, whether JLP or PNP, would be wise in refraining from the throwing of stones, considering the glass houses that both parties dwell in. A basic fact is that, in any population, there has always been a broad representation of gender and sexual diversity. If either party were to be guided by that infamous song, we would end up with a case of each fighting fire with fire!

In these times when vulnerable populations across the globe are conveniently marginalised as various political bases are hyped and base instincts are served, the Church is duty-bound to speak for justice, peace, and the sacred right to life for everyone, regardless of their gender and sexually diverse identity. Individuals do not have to lie or understand the gender and sexual diversity claim of another. Just focus on the sanctity of life for fellow human beings.

In a country that sees many taking oaths on the Bible, or simply revering same, the Ethiopian eunuch would still struggle to find a safe space in the church and in politics in these times. And yet, he was one of the earliest converts to Christianity. To be clear, though, homophobia and homophobic rants, intentioned or otherwise, are often conveniently used across Jamaica. The fact is that we all know that homosexuality is one of the best-kept secrets in any Jamaican cabinet or parliament, the Church, and the largest professional organisations across the nation! However, like the xenophobia card, these sentiments are conveniently used when pastors and politicians are urgently appealing to abounding visceral impatience with diversity.

Understandably, this is a time across the globe when prevailing political energy leans toward more confidence in expressing racism, misogyny, xenophobia, homophobia, transphobia, and diversity in general. However, this is not occurring on the right side of history! Is your church comfortable with preaching a stance for peace and love? May we be ready to live the call, “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.”

Fr Sean Major-Campbell is an Anglican priest and advocate for human rights and dignity. Please send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and seanmajorcampbell@yahoo.com