We cannot pretty up sin: Shuttleworth chastises promoters of lewd lifestyle

Managing director of the Freedom Come Rain Newspaper (FCRN), Reverend Jeffrey Shuttleworth assures that the publication will continue to be used as God’s medium to communicate righteous living and to counter the ungodly messages being directed primarily at the nation’s children through secular sources.

The newspaper celebrated its second anniversary on Monday, August 1. A strident Rev. Shuttleworth vocalized his concerns about the negative impact the promotion of unrighteous living is having on the younger generation, during the publication’s anniversary service in Newland, Portmore, St. Catherine on Sunday.

“We cannot allow the forces of darkness to use wrong messages and falsehood to destroy our children; to tell them that nothing is wrong with man and man getting married and having a relationship,” he said.

A militant Rev. Shuttleworth did not mince words as he rapped those who promote the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender lifestyle. “According to God’s design, that is of the devil and so as our children see that, they are now conscientised and they are brought to the point to believe that it is normal. It is not normal. It is an abberation, it is unnatural, it is ungodly; that is sodomite behavior.”

Some women he noted are of the view that nudity is fashionable, while men believe it is okay to expose their underwear.

“This nudity and nakedness is of the devil and it must be condemned.”

One of the medium for the promotion of unrighteous living Rev. Shuttleworth noted is the secular music, which oftentimes promote badness. This he feels has contributed to the country’s struggle with tackling crime and violence.

“Many of our young men now believe that if they are going to be recognized and celebrated, they must make duppy,” Rev. Shuttleworth said.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness faced public backlash recently, after suggesting during a sitting of the House of Representative that dancehall music was a main cause of violence in Jamaica. Holness did not retract his comment, but instead reinforced his concern while speaking at a training session for workers of his Jamaica Labour Party  later in June.

Rev. Shuttleworth said the Freedom Come Rain Newspaper is seeking to counter the negative messages being promulgated. He assured that readers will be exposed to positive and Godly content through the publication, which is produced weekly and sold for $180 at several outlets across the island as well as at the Tarrant Baptist Church in Kingston, where he is a senior pastor.

The addition of a pull-out targeted at children was also celebrated during the newspaper’s anniversary launch. The pull-out, called “Raindrops” contains content that is specially designed for children.

“God has raised up Freedom Come Rain Newspaper to ensure that the message of his Kingdom; the message of truth is disseminated far and wide,” said Rev. Shuttleworth.

The newspaper is staffed primarily by volunteers who meet to discuss local and international happenings. Chief Editor, Dr. Tesha Thompson, noted that the writers have full-time jobs elsewhere, but have remained committed to making their contribution to the newspaper because they believe in the product. Apart from the writers, there are the editors, the marketing team, a paginator, drivers, town criers and vendors who ensure that the newspaper is produced, marketed and disseminated each week. Dr. Thompson urged persons to invest in the publication.