Jamaica preachers told to hush or get off the bus

Police superintendent says preaching on public passenger vehicles

is an offence and persons in breach can be charged.

Controversy has been brewing since Jamaica’s public transport authorities ordered lay preachers to put the brakes on sermons on state-owned buses.

The move came against a backdrop of numerous complaints from passengers about the noise and disturbance created by the preachers, which led to a directive instructing drivers to politely warn religious ministers that they were no longer permitted to evangelize on public transport.

“I am all for evangelizing, but they cannot use the bus as their platform,” said Hardley Lewin, managing director of the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC).

The transit boss had the full backing of Senior Superintendent of Police Radcliffe Lewis, who has warned lay preachers who use JUTC buses for their ministry that they will be prosecuted.

On Thursday, Lewis said that preaching on public passenger vehicles is an offence and persons in breach can be charged with disorderly conduct on a public passenger vehicle (PPV).

"It doesn't matter who it is, even if you were the pope. With the amount of complaints coming in, Mr Lewin had no other choice but to take the action him take. He has done the best thing," Lewis told The Jamaica Gleaner.

"There need not be any debate on the issue," Lewis said. "The law is the law, and you can be charged. I am totally for the ban. You cannot go about disturbing people and annoying them and forcing people to listen to you," he added.

"Any noise, singing or preaching or playing of any instrument, once you start to disturb the passengers, you can be charged for disorderly conduct on a PPV. I expect that persons who preach should respect the law and respect the rights of other citizens," Lewis continued.

The senior cop also told The Gleaner that in the past they had turned a blind eye to the practice, but based on the number of complaints, they would now have to take action against anyone breaching the law.

Meanwhile, although some lay preachers are said to have accepted the decision, reports indicate that others may challenge it by citing Jamaica’s constitution, which includes the right “to manifest and propagate religion”.

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Comment by barbara glover on November 25, 2012 at 1:08pm: the word of god is love u don't love u self we love to preach d true not war and hate

Comment by Madison Maragh on November 25, 2012 at 11:55am: Yes, TREZAY and HandsomeMan. Christians think they have a right to be heard but do not want to hear anyone else.

Comment by barbara glover on November 22, 2012 at 10:01pm: a wonder if u is luke d other man who always show different woman pic

Comment by lynz on November 22, 2012 at 7:48pm: Philippians 2:10-11 KJV

That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Whether u accept Him now or later..THAT DAY WILL COME!!
If u wait for later only u will suffer eternal consequences.

Comment by lynz on November 22, 2012 at 7:29pm: Ms. Barbara..we are ALL Gods creation, but NOT all His children!!

Comment by barbara glover on November 22, 2012 at 6:18pm: lawd boi u really sick man sorry to say it like that but u is in a big mess god is love man wake up and live god made u

Comment by lynz on November 22, 2012 at 6:15pm: Revelation 22:18-21 KJV

For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Comment by lynz on November 22, 2012 at 6:06pm: When u truly have an intimate relationship with God, then & only then can u free. No demon or anyone else can "control" or rule over u & use u ever again!! IN JESUS NAME!!

Comment by TREZAY on November 22, 2012 at 6:02pm: THE ONLY THING I KNOW DAT CAN SPREAD ARE VIRUSES.

Comment by lynz on November 22, 2012 at 6:01pm: Your too emotional, get a hold of yourself! Why is the name Jesus so offensive to u? Why are u so angry??
U not only come across LOST but now also delusional..where did u get the idea me thinking u r handsome, u are ugly from the inside out & that's the worst type ah ugly!!
Now you've portrayed yourself to be a confused hypocrite too? U said u would say STFU to someone for worshipping the devil, but u on here talking like one!! Really?? Who is that nasty disrespectful talk & gun threats representing?? The devil!!
Indeed the BIBLE is a very deep book, but your depth/interpretation has dragged u way down, while mine lifts me higher!! There's a difference!!
Open your heart & give Jesus a chance, It's not for my benefit, It's for u.. but first u have to want to bind & release that devil that has made a home inside u for so long. Jesus can do that for u! Then u & the Holy Spirit within can become one! Then my brother ask the SPIRIT to give u ovastanding & read the BIBLE again. The word of God is a Spirit & its comes alive inside u when u read it.
I don't get a kick out of this, I'm truly truly sad for u :'( it breaks my heart!!!