SDA General Conference president lauds Jamaica’s religious liberty stance
Published:Monday | April 14, 2025 | 12:07 AMChristopher Thomas/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Pastor Ted Wilson, the president of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (SDA), has commended Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness for the Jamaican government’s stance on upholding the country’s reputation for religious liberty and tolerance.
Addressing Saturday’s hosting of the SDA Church’s Ambassador Convention 2025, at the West Jamaica Conference of Seventh-day Adventists in Montego Bay, St James, Wilson said the right to freedom of worship is one of Jamaica’s keynote attributes.
“I want to thank the country and the Government of Jamaica for religious liberty in this country, otherwise we would not be able to meet in this auditorium. I want to thank the prime minister [Holness], the Parliament, and all of those who are in government, for protecting and sustaining religious liberty, as it is a foundation of prosperity for this country,” Wilson said before offering a brief prayer for Jamaica’s leaders.
“I want to tell you, Jamaicans have far more influence than just in the country of Jamaica. God is using Jamaicans in many places to present the word of God and point people to the soon coming of Jesus, because you are good ambassadors,” Wilson added.
Wilson’s commendation follows Holness’ earlier affirmation of the right to freedom of worship, which he made during the Jamaica Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists’ Religious Liberty Summit in January.
At that time, Holness said that the Government of Jamaica was committed to upholding the right of Jamaican citizens to worship or not worship as they choose. He also acknowledged that some citizens continue to face challenges in freely practising their faith, especially in the workplace and at educational institutions.
Last month, the SDA Church raised concerns over an announcement by Finance Minister Fayval Williams that selected Tax Administration Jamaica offices would be opened on Saturdays in all parishes across Jamaica, citing the need to respect the rights and freedoms of Sabbath-keeping government workers. That issue was not raised during Wilson’s address on Saturday.
Youth Ambassadors
In the meantime, Wilson told Saturday’s youth participants that they must represent God in everything they do as part of the SDA Church’s Youth Ambassador programme, which is geared toward addressing issues faced by young people from ages 16 to 21 and training them for ministry, community outreach, and leadership development.
“The country of Jamaica has ambassadors that go to different parts of the world, and when you see an ambassador coming, you will see that that ambassador is met with all kinds of reception. Whether you arrived here in a limousine or not, whether you had flags waving as you arrived, because you are a servant of the Most High God, you are an important ambassador for Him,” said Wilson.
“I want to indicate that young people in Jamaica are some of the fine young people … I want to challenge all of you young people to maintain that beautiful standard. Do not let God or your church be disappointed in you; stand firm in connection with Jesus every day, with His word,” Wilson added.