NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FOR THE MORAVIAN CHURCH

January 13, 2017.

STATEMENT FROM THE MORAVIAN CHURCH

Acting President of the Moravian Church in Jamaica, the Rev. Phyllis Smith Seymour, has said that the Moravian Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands wishes to assure the people of Jamaica of its continued commitment to stand on its mission to proclaim the Gospel of Christ and to seek the spiritual, educational and social development of all persons in Christ’s name.

“As has been done since 1754”, said Rev Smith Seymour, “we will continue to act with sound governance, in a responsible and responsive way. Within this context, the Moravian Church deeply regrets the circumstances that have led to the arrest of a member of its clergy – a matter that is now before the Courts of Jamaica.

We expect that in this, and any other allegations that may arise, that the law must take its course, and we are committed to respecting and accepting the due process of the law, and the course of justice.

At this time, we of the Moravian Church must assert our ongoing and unequivocal support for the rights of all people, and especially so of our children, to live free of abuse, and the threat thereof.

Undeniably, recent events have left us battered and wounded by the allegations that have been made. We know that we cannot be completely objective about ourselves, and so have sought outside help and advice, remaining open to criticism and corrections, towards meaningful change.

At the same time, we are re-examining our policies and processes, as we probe and deal with all the allegations made, with the purpose of maintaining the high moral standards that we have always espoused and expected of all servants and workers in our Church. In this, we prayerfully seek God’s guidance and support.”

END

CONTACT: Rev. Phyllis Smith Seymour

TEL: (876) 386-8263.

E-MAIL: rayphyl@yahoo.com

CONTACT: Elaine Commissiong (Mrs.)

TEL: (876) 969-8952/633-5558

EMAIL: Elaine.c54@gmail.com