Social protections as a gospel imperative ought to inform the praxis of Christian theology. We must weep and cry out for those who continue to suffer in a system that finds itself returning $770 million of the $1 billion (set aside for the Government’s Solidarity Programme) for debt reduction.

I cannot pass judgement on anyone. I am however among the pastors who continue to get calls from suffering hopeless Jamaicans whose only option is to beg for help. In a country where many profess belief in biblical teachings, we must examine our social conscience in light of the Word. Early in the sacred writings we see sensitivity for the poor, the widow, and the foreigner. We learn how the gleanings of the harvest should provide for the most vulnerable and even how debts were to be forgiven. The prophetic tradition is full of messages calling for the protection of the vulnerable.

Imagine, I serve with the Deanery of Kingston which operates a disaster relief hub at Christ Church in Vineyard Town. Whenever the occasional shipment of supplies comes, we have to beg for financial help to clear the barrels or pallets etc. And sometimes we have to wait until we are able to make up the funds before the goods can be cleared. We beg to purchase basic supplies so that we may help a school to provide some porridge or other breakfast for children who come from homes where any available funds are being used to fix the roof.