Reverend Al Miller Has Nothing To Be Ashamed

As the non-traditional religious leaders in our community have overwhelmingly encircled their wagons in support of the embattled Revered Al Miller, at least there had to be a dick to be like a torn in his flesh. He did get a prick from stinging comments made by Reverend Dr. Devon Dick of the Jamaica Baptist Union on National TV, in prime time.

As you will recall Vision posted a perspective highlighting that
the Reverend Al Miller, head of the Fellowship Tabernacle, was found guilty of “Perverting the Course of Justice” by Parish Judge Simone Wolfe-Reece … and is scheduled to be sentenced on Thursday, September 15, 2016. Miller, in his capacity as Pastor, was transporting suspect Christopher Dudus Coke to the US Embassy to surrender to Uncle Sam.

Coke was not wanted by local law enforcement for any crimes.

The United States government requested the extradition of Christopher Dudus Coke to face drug-related charges there.

Comments attributed to Reverend Dr. Dick on CVM TV in an interview with newly minted journalist Brian Walker are unfortunate to say the least.

Reverend Dr. Dick said inter alia that “Miller should step aside as Pastor of Fellowship Tabernacle which he heads as he is a disgrace to the religious community ….”

What did Jesus say of the woman caught in adultery who was “sentenced” to be stoned to death “He who is without sin let him cast the first stone”. All of us has been stuck by a prick from time to time … it is the timing that matters oftentimes.

Will you cast the first stone, Dick?

Let me remind you my most holiest of holy Rev. Dr. Devon Dick that Jesus, faced with the choices Miller had, would have done what Reverend Al Miller did. Miller has nothing to be ashamed of.

Reverend Al Miller had every reason to want to save Coke’s life. “I was in prison and you did not visit me, I was hungry and you did not feed me”… this biblical quote clearly indicates that there are certain moral if not Christian obligations placed on us to be our brothers and sisters keeper. It is considered most unchristianlike to abandon those in need who need us most.

We are disappointing in you Dr. Devon Dick … we say no … you should be more loyal to a religious colleague.

We hope that justice, even at this stage will be tempered with mercy at the sentencing hearing.

Are we expecting too much?

Is Reverend Dr. Devon Dick praying for Reverend Al Miller to get a crippling prick?

As usual, the verdict is yours.

Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie is Senior International Correspondent & Photojournalist for Vision Newspaper Canada.