Efforts by the Freedom Come Rain newspaper to speak to representatives at the Jamaica Theological Seminary (JTS) proved futile as the listed phone numbers rang without an answer. The news team, however, got access to emails that were sent to students, following their concerns about the institution’s support of an upcoming LGBTQ symposium. The invitation read, “LGBT+ Faith and Sexuality Symposium, themed “Faith and Sexuality in the Jamaican Context – How Might the Two Walk Together?”
Set to “explore the intersection of religious beliefs and LGBTQ+ identities within our communities,” the event is being hosted by known gay rights lobby groups, the Caribbean Vulnerable Communities Coalition (CVC) in partnership with Christ Church, the Global Inter-Faith Network (GIN), Rainbow Faith and Freedom (RFF) and the UWI Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I) Unit on the Mona Campus.
In an email to students and faculty members, the person who authorised the circulation of the invitation to the LGBTQ symposium commended students for indicating their disapproval about something that does not align with their belief. The author of the email, who identified himself as Winston, shared three observations. They are as follow:
First, it appears that the expressed concern is grounded on premises that are unfounded. I say that because the decision to circulate the invitation was not based on an endorsement of the known or unknown agenda of the sponsors of the event. Rather, it was based on the assumption that there may be members of the JTS community for whom the symposium could serve as an opportunity for learning about issues with which some individuals are wrestling. A desire to learn about such issues should not be interpreted as anything other than that. Unless one knows the mind of the individual who will participate in the symposium, it is a stretch to claim knowledge about that individual’s intent.
Second, the circulation of the invitation was in no way intended to suggest that JTS is in support of the event. As head of the institution, I would like to believe that members of the JTS community are strong enough to engage in a symposium about the proposed topic without compromising the values for which JTS stands. It is my hope that members of the JTS community can be bold enough to embrace the admonition of Jude to “. . . earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered to the saints (verse 3).” I would further hope that members of the JTS community will heed the additional admonition of Jude to “Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear – hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh (verses 22-23).” Those who are offended by the symposium should not feel obliged to attend. On the other hand, I suggest that those who will find value in attending the symposium should not be condemned for making that decision.
Third, this may just be a time for us to convene our own “symposium” to discuss among ourselves and share insights about how we may identify and seize opportunities to engage those who have different opinions to those we embrace. If this is of interest, I would like to invite as many individuals as possible to a meeting for such a purpose. I am asking the Student Council to take the lead on this invitation and let me know of a convenient time for such a discussion.
The current president of the Jamaica Theological Seminary is Dr. Winston Thompson.
