You have proven to be a wise 'father-figure' in coming to a very difficult, but ultimately wise decision in rejecting the offer by Government to build a church for your Methodist congregation.
With that decision you have set a great example for others to follow and to learn from and for that you deserve maximum praise.
History and education in general teaches us that there are certain 'genies', which need not to be tampered with in the best interest of humanity.
One such well documented 'genie' is the 'lumping together' as one body of Church and State.
We will not explain the obvious and logical reasons for staying far away from that 'hybrid'- and very 'radio-active' institution, but suffice with recommending the uninitiated to read all relevant textbooks and even the contemporary news on the matter.
Therefore, this 'genie' is best kept tightly 'sealed' in the proverbial bottle, because if ever 'leaked out' of its controlled setting, this monster can wreak terrible havoc in the form of religious war, which are the worst ones known to mankind.
The best 'seal' for the proverbial bottle for this monster ?
Respect the universal principal of 'SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE'.
For the record, this does NOT mean no cooperation or contact between the two.
It means try to maintain the Church as the Church and the State as the State as much as possible.
For example;
No state should get in the business of building churches and no religion should be the authority in charge of setting up and running a police force.
In spite of the fact that certain members of the Methodist church publicly tried to construe my message and concern expressed in this matter as being inciting hatred and being against God, you Super-indendant Seaton, have understood my real concern, for which I am grateful to you.
Not only that.
Finally after a very long time, I once more feel proud of the Methodist Church and might once again become a active member if welcome.
In addition, Mr. Seaton.
Clearly, with all the probably good intentions of many members of the Methodist Church among them a number of Commissioners, there is a clear need for them to be truly educated in the fundamental meaning of 'Separation of Church and State'.
Perhaps, you can take the initiative, to host oecominical meetings in which leaders of other denominations come together and educate their followers and all other citizens of the island of the true meaning of 'Separation of Church and State'.
Also, we have to be very, very cautious, labeling others who have a different religion, or none at all as anti-God, because no-one should claim to have God in 'their pocket'.
Such mentality exhibits a sense of self-righteousness which contributes significantly towards religiosn intolerance and worse.
indisputable fact of the matter is that it is NOT up to any man or woman to decide who will go where after our physical existence.
Therefore, instead of predicting and preaching who will go to heaven and who to heel and where not, one might be well advised to make sure that one gets to the best possible place if any, after life and telegraph back to the living where they are.
Instead, ones true conviction becomes more evident and credible by one's acts and actions of love, compassion and tolerance as opposed to knowing all biblical verses by heart.
In ending Super-intendant, please accept my words of sincerity and may the good Lord continue to bless you, the Methodist church and all other religions and similar teachings.
--
Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
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