Outspoken man of the cloth, Pastor Randy Rodney, has blasted his colleague Vice President of Dominica Association of Evangelical Churches, Reverend Arlington Wilson, who stated that the church has failed in providing proper guidelines in matters of deviant sexual behavior.
Wilson made the statement last week after he, and several religious leaders, met with Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit to update the church and get feedback regarding social ills and deviant behavior negatively impacting Dominica.
“There is a need, right now for us to put aside our religious views and come together to deal with the issues. What we discussed in the meeting is that the church has failed in that area and I believe that,” Wilson told the Government Information Service after the meeting. “While we cannot regulate the conduct of the people we felt that there should be programs that would assist our young people because the deviant behaviors are not only in society but they are also in the church and for reasons the information is not brought out because of church settings.”
But on his radio program, Kingdom Connections, on privately-owned Q-95, Rodney disagreed with Wilson and said in order for deviant behavior to be tackled in Dominica, something must be done other than just “empty rhetoric.”
“If we really want to do something, we need to tie our waist, remove our fake glasses and deal with this thing properly, not by sitting down and blaming church for not doing what church has always done,” he stated.
Rodney noted the different churches across the island have been dealing with matters of deviant sexual behavior.
“Apart from the works done within the churches, let me list just a few activities taken over the last 14 years, some of which Mister Skerrit, the Prime Minister and some of his ministerial colleagues have been invited to but did not attend, for the information of Pastor Wilson and the Evangelical Association,” he pointed out. “There have been purity rallies held every December from 2005, there have been initiatives by churches, the Pentecostal Church in Goodwill, with regard to speaking to young people about their purity, there have been initiatives jointly by the Grand Bay and Pichelin Gospel Mission Churches, the Roseau Christian Union Church, the Deliverance Baptiste Church, to name a few who have been part of, certain jointly held, activities.”
He said different churches have held discussions on purity as it relates to HIV and sexual abuse.
“We have had counseling, numerous counseling sessions with abused children,” Rodney stated.
He noted that it is time to tackle deviant sexual behavior, which he described as a ‘scourge’ facing the Caribbean society and which is facing Dominica in ways that have not been seen before.
“And if not handled with firmness, fairness, forgiveness and grace, it will erode into an even more lawless society,” he noted.
He stated that has used his radio program to call for calm, introspection, and restraint since news broke recently of allegations of inappropriate behavior involving three high-profile men and a minor.
“But we are so blinded that we see colors and parties and personal kingdoms which will only serve to further divide us and further destroy our children,” the pastor remarked.
He stated that if current trends are not checked, “we can end up with mentally unstable people, frustrated youth and serious increase in real deviant behavior and not just sexual behavior but real deviant behavior .”
He called on all pastors to meet on Monday, March 14, 2016, at 5:30 pm, at the Truth and Grace Friendship Global on Independence Street, “so that we can prepare a proper documentation, an objective presentation to the Prime Minister, his cabinet and parliament so that there can be parliament’s action as well as guidance to lead politicians and parliamentarians in this jurisdiction.”
“This is more than just talk, this must not remain as empty rhetoric…” he noted.
To Wilson, he had this to say, “if you Mister Wilson and the Evangelical Association continue with this wimpy behavior you will be sent a second time to pray. You remember you were sent to pray some time ago?”
Rodney is known for taking his fellow pastors to task. Last year Evangelist Peter R. Augustine came into his line of fire when he (Augustine) described Prime Minister Skerrit, as Dominica’s best Prime Minister so far.
Dominican children are not taught to think. They are taught to obey and be clean. Curiosity (thinking) is beaten out of them from very young – hence, you end up with adults who aren’t able to think and will just slash their way through life because nobody is there to tell them the right thing to do. Is this the church’s job? Partly … but first and foremost, people need to CARE. Without that, it is hopeless.
“They missed the point. They do not address the main issue and educate the parents whose children are gullible and vulnerable as some of their parents.”
That is one of the stupidest comments, and there is no other way to describe it except saying it is a stupid comment!
It appears to me that there are those who wish to cast the blame on the Children, or the very young rather than blaming the pedophiles who prey on the poor children who may leave their homes in the mornings without any food to eat, that makes them vulnerable; a hungry belly makes even a an adult vulnerable to a point where grown women prostitutes themselves, male also in different ways!
The economy of the country is bad very bad, who, to and what is to be blamed for the underground economy of prostitution!
They are afraid to say that Skerrit government is responsible, what they are doing is trying to cover and protect members of government who it is alleged is involved by blaming the innocent!
God…
They missed the point. They do not address the main issue and educate the parents whose children are gullible and vulnerable as some of their parents.
I have previously stated this. In Canada the Law is stringent about abuse cases. People even have to be careful not to touch anyone for they could shout abuse and sue.
Those who are reported for sexual abuse of children and adults will be prosecuted. If they are proven guilty they will spend some time in jail. These days I hardly hear of especially child sexual abuse/molestation.
This is the stand the government and police authorities must take. This will primarily eradicate these abuses.
While it is serious, make it simple without bickering about it. If they are certain of the perpetrators action, arrest them.
As the government minister stated they are in the process of amending the Act. Let them handle it and may it be done soon.
Pastor Rodney on the same Q 95 and saying things like that! Well he brave! The Emperor has no clothes!
Well the way i see it pastor Rodney thinks he is the only righteous and perfect pastor in Dominica ,because every time another pastor says something and is pleases Skerritt he finds problem with that pastor and blast them i think the pm must invite pastor Rodney to these forums whenever he is having them so that pastor Rodney could give a perfect and righteous view and solution to the matter
just March 14, 2016
Well I don’t perceive any form of righteousness in that man–I know the traits of Holy Spirit, and that Rodney person ain’t got not one of them. A man who is filled the Holy Spirit of God does not conduct those kinds of speeches the this Pastor Rodney speaks–the man does not even sound as if he knows anything about God; I am sure he is holding the wrong title
And why is he on a Radio Station that is tainted by politics, why is he not a Christian Radio Station?
The pastor is right \. Taking the blame does not mean you are at fault for not helping prevent the problem. It could also mean the church did nothing to address the issue or bring the matter to light and inform the public or provide save havens for those in need. What do these so call churches even do for the community where they are located????
Whether we know it or not, the Church is people, and those people are all over the place–the majority of them are mothers and fathers–that would include pastors and preachers; lawyers and doctors; politicians and lawmakers–so when we put it all together everyone is responsible–that would mean the children themselves, who grow up to be adults
Training and discipline to walk the Principles of Life in Love, must begin at home, guided by the parents or guardians of the children, until they have reached the age when they will make their own choice.
No one can have control of a child who is not their son or daughter–unless they are authorized by their parents or guardians–but how responsible are the parents, concerning the habits of their children–or maybe they are children themselves.
That is why it is always going to be talk, talk, and talk; unless authorities decide to go to the core of that conflict–that core is at home with parents and child, there is no other way.
The good thing about pastor Randy Rodney he is not a \”mouton batalie\” he calls things by their rightful names; so who the cap fit just have to wear it. There is nothing untrue about his statements
Evangelists, Pastors, Bishops, priests, etc., have failed the masses. They have used the pulpit to prey on vulnerable people by conniving them of their hard-earned money. The holy book, called the bible, was used to enslave our fore-parents and many will continue to defend that book. While our fore-parents were waiting to cross the Atlantic ocean, their captors were having church above their heads. They used the bible on the continent to enslave our people and even had the audacity to write, “servants, obey your masters.” I have no confidence in religion and religious so-called leaders. Religion and politics go hand in hand and that’s why the bible is used when politicians are inaugurated. If the bible is the word of god, why is it that the preachers do not defend the masses whose rights are violated by these leaders in authority. The bible is used for the gain and priviledge of religious men and also the politicians. To hell with politics and religion.
UNAPOLOGETIC
give honour when honour is due the man is a pastor address him as a pastor not mister what u dont like for yrself dont do it to others, matt is still waiting for you to clarify yr marital infidelity some years ago. why did you never answer matts call
This is the perfect advertisement for why we need to teach philosophy & critical thinking at the primary school level.
Pastor Rodney is very on point with his observations. Pastor Wilson must stop allowing himself to be exploited under the guise of DAEC. He purports to speak on behalf of a body with which he does not communicate. Why haven’t we heard Pastor Wilson’s voice addressing the ills of society? Why is it a select group of ministers who are part of these meeting all the time while others are considered “persona non grata” because they are perceived to be non supporters of the labour party? The sadness at all of this is that some of these religious leaders had loud voices when UWP formed the government.. Pastor Randy I applaud you. For all those commenting about your past; that’s what is is your past. Thank God you have not allowed your past to define you because the Lord came with truth, to administer grace and mercy and it is available to all. Pastor Wilson, speak against injustice in season and out of season, regardless of who the perpetrators are. Only then will you be taken seriously.
DNO like the a leaked confession that’s now going viral and may have damaged a very good case, so too the last paragraph of this article has damaged the integrity of such a good article, where the paragraph in question makes pastor Rodney look like a bad spiritual wolf.
As a fellow minister of the gospel, Rodney was right to rebuke Peter R for saying Skerrit is the wisest and pm that Dominica ever had. The thinges that we knew and now seeing support Rodney. Furthermore, Pas Rodney is once again correct in rebuking pas Wilson for making this dumb statement on behalf of all of us. Skerrit needs to be held responsible for his evil reign that has brought the country so low. It’s a shame that people who claim to be preachers are supporting this evil reign
“Men of the Cloth” are clerics and clergy who are dressed after the manner of the Levitical Priests. The Old Testament Priesthood was adorned in much cloth, a practice continued by the some western and eastern orthodox churches steeped in liturgy. I have observed the very loose application of the phrase nowadays in the local media. A Pastor is not a man of the cloth! He adorns very little cloth in comparison to Old Testament priests.
Context is everything. It is no longer considered a literal description, but is understood to mean any duly ordained clergy. It is even applied to Muslim clergy these days. Language, especially English, is not static, but a living growing thing.
It is contextually and factually wrong to refer to all clergy as “men of cloth.” Because something is acceptable to the Romish clergy and her followers does not make it globally applicable. The same argument may be applied to the minority today who are defining “marriage” as an institution between two consenting adults, irrespective of gender. According to your argument, Khangel, the gay movement is contextually correct. And guys who are arguing that Monday is the first day of the calendar week, thereby making Sunday the seventh day Sabbath, are contextually correct too. Ha, ha, ha, ha!! Wrong! The origin of a word most times reflects the idea being conveyed. Pastors are not “Men of the Cloth.” And by the way, the Islamic clergy has never accepted this terminology as applying to them.
ADMIN:For your enlightenment: http://www.thefreedictionary.com/man+of+the+cloth
Elijah was preaching against sin not other pastors. have you listen to pastor Rodney program on Q95? the man never call on people to repent and turn from their sins, all he talks about is politics to please the Q95 listeners. I guess he know what he is missing, all the duty free transport he use to get under UWP and the contracts. we know a lot pastor Rodny
I love this comment…people need to open their eyes and most importantly their hearts and listen to god. Randy should not be leading the flock at trinity because he doesnt possess any Godly leadership qualities. Randy is a politician disquised in clerical clothing. I cant understand that people who profess to know God can behave in such disgusting manner.Randy you need God.
Let him who have no sin cast the first stone. And update yourself listen and read, he is not leading any Trinity Baptist Church and we LOVE OUR PASTOR.
Well we love our PM too. CASE CLOSE.
Jesus Christ preached against the main other pastors of his time; the Pharisees and Sadducees – please go and study your New Testament and the words and works of the Messiah, our Saviour, Jesus Christ!
Pas. Randy is once again made to be seen as the pastor that rebukes other pastors for making politically motivated statements. But if Randy does not do it, who will stand for God and call wrong wrong?
Our pastors need to understand that they must never put themselves in a position where they have to ‘take one’ for Skerrit. We have our democratic right to support our party. But to get to where pastors prefer to blame the church for failures of politicians than to point wrong doing of politicians is very disturbing.
As far as I am concerned the PM is just using these pastors and has no respect for them! In fact the last time he met them, he rebuked them for not knowing the constitution and asked them to pray and read more.
Skerrit put those pastors in ‘fraid mode, and therefore when he meets with them they will be scared of getting another rebuke, so they had to take the blame. They sound like they are skerrit’s servants and MUST please him whether he is wrong or right
The problem with religion is that; religion is a different thing to Christianity. There is a part of scripture which states, many are called but few are chosen! I relate that to some so called preachers at every level; in religion there are no chosen! Most of them appointed themselves preachers, and tag on the title reverend, or father, bishop, or pope to their name!
The truth is most of them are false prophets; and herein lies the problem with religion.
Reverend of what may I asked? Some of them are as ignorant and uneducated to the word of God, hence they are unable to interpret the word of God appropriately to their follows. The Bible is the true written word of God, however it is also filled with science, history, and prophecy too. It is actually a guide to Christians as to how they should live, and also prosper in this world.
We also have to know when an event is yet to come, and when something is already fulfilled according to interpretations: none of the disciples of…
We also have to know when an event is yet to come, and when something is already fulfilled according to interpretations: none of the disciples of Jesus were ignorant, though one may say they were fishermen; they also have to remember that Luke a disciple of Jesus was a medical doctor (MD) by profession. I am not saying that one must be academically educated to preach the word of God, but that person had better be sure they are called by God to preach, otherwise they will have a problem, preaching and interpreting his words to the people.
That has always been the problem with religion in Dominica. When a so called preacher gets up and go to consult with a politician, when he should be preaching, and teaching the word of God to his congregation, that is an indication, that God is not in that so called preachers plan, he is into something else and not the word of God. The Bible teach one cannot serve God and Mammon (That’s not verbatim!)
The philosophy of man means nothing, if…
The philosophy of man means nothing; if one cannot utilizes the word of God to solve issues and problems within the church. Any preacher who involves a politician into the church is not a disciple of Jesus Christ; politics has no place in the church!
Church fails when the word of God is not preached in the congregation.You see the Bible was not written for everyone in the world: It is written to Christians, the rapist, perverts, and thieves murderers, and pedophiles could care less about God, and his words. If they cared we would not be having this conversation, and worst of all is preacher going to crawl on his belly crying to some politician about church has failed.
Where is your pride and shame man; you as a human failed yourself, because you are playing Church!
Proverbs 6:16-19. Six things the Lord hates and the seventh is detestable to him. Pastor Rodney why do you continuously attack the brethren and seek to divide the body the body of Christ? The bible declares that what you are doing is an abomination to Him. Man you a wounding the flesh of Christ afresh.
James 3:14-16 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing.
Rodney is right; there is a word in the Bible “rebuke” try to get the biblical meaning of the word, which to me is exactly what Rodney has done!
You see, the problem with you nameless, faceless people is that as long as someone claim to be reverend in your mind this so call reverend can’t do any wrong, and you will try to use scriptures to support the wrong.
His running to Skerrit should let you know that such people are not doing the work of God, because the first responsibility of a preacher is to preach and teach the word of God; that is the duty of a true servant of God.
Politics has no business or place in any church. Running to Skerrit and talk nonsense, is an indication that he is a an agent, and a puppet of Skerrit rather than being a disciple of Jesus Christ!
It is politics as usual; all he has accomplish is sitting and looking into Skerrit’s face piping hot air, after he left Skerrit might have asked himself; what have I got to do with that?
In the old testament, the prophets had a responsibility to advise, or warn the king. I believe that modern-day servants of God have a responsibility to stand up for what is right, even if it means offending politicians.
Wilson’s statement was made public, and he said he was speaking on behalf of the other religious readers that were not even aware of the meeting. How else would the public know that this was not a statement that was agreed upon by Evangelical churches? Sometimes you people are soo cut up in religion when it suits you, that you forget we still live on earth. Furthermore, there are several instances in the Bible where people were rebuked in public. There is a time for everything, and I believe the medium Pastor Rod used to respond in this case, was appropriate.
I fully concur. Pastor Wilson must stop his politicking. He is simply being used as a puppet. He has no understanding of what he is saying.
Hawk, please open your eyes and read Pastor Rodney again and i recommend that you listen to Pastor Rodney and his Team every Friday 11am on Q 95. YOu will surely learn a thing or two.
The issue is about the high flying politicians who abuse our children for states funds and handouts. Address this corruption and evil within the Skerrit lead government and you will be free to wisdom your thoughts.
Go in peace and pray for Dominica
@ Hawk eye, you all must stop lying, as lying is also one of the first things the passage you quoted says God hates.
FYI, pastor Rodney did nothing to divide the church; he simply corrected what was biblically incorrect. For example, it was Evangelist Peter Augustine that put the church in bad light during the funeral of a pastor, with his nonsense, insensitive, political campaign like statement about Skerrit being the wisest PM Dominica has ever had. If that was not bad enough, the same man had the guts to go on Skerrit’s political at the airport to talk more nonsense with his Skerrit being the best PM marjie of his, when everything around is pointing to the opposite.
I thank God Dominica i9s blessed with a man like pastor Rodney, who stands for truth and will not bow he knees to Skerrit like many of our pastors have. By the way, the division started in 2004, when Skerrit divided the church, destroyed the DFP, divided the town/Village councils, the police department etc.
While you quote from the Holy Bible, it appears you either fail to realize this or ignore it that the Body of Christ has been badly divided due to these different religions and factions. The harm has been done. It appears it will either get worst or remain the same unless Our Lord Himself puts a hand. St. Paul spoke of it that they belong to this one and that one.
When many of us were growing up to adulthood there were not all those different religions and churches.
“the church has failed in providing proper guidelines in matters of deviant sexual behavior.” When pas. Wilson made the above statement he was indirectly Confirming two things to us:
1. He and his Evangelical Churches have lost their way
2. They are more concerned about protecting the evils ….., than to uphold the testimony of the Lord we were called to declare as seen in the Bobbles villas lies
Pastor Wilson where the bible we were commissioned to “provide proper guidelines in matters of deviant sexual behavior.” If anything, the guideline we need to provide is the Holiness of God, by being an example as leaders, and by rebuking those who walk contrary. But you see, when we are in bed with corrupt men we can’t rebuke them because we just like them. In the story of Herod and John Mk. 6:17-29, although Herod was being rebuked by John and Herodius asked many times for John’s head, Herod would not touch him because he KNEW John was Holy. Such is NOT the case today!
While I feel bad to hear our pastors hitting up on each other in public, I cannot help but thank God, for pastor Randy Rodney, for not bowing his knees to Baal, like many of his colleagues have done.
Definitely pastor Wilson and the Evangelicals deserve a good rebuke first of all, for the political and spiritual state od Dominica and, that stupid statement of pastor Wilson.
For Br. Wilson to say the church has failed in providing proper guidelines in matters of deviant sexual behavior is rubbish! That IS NOT the role of the church as sexual matters is the job of legislators and the judiciary to regulate. The job of the church is to preach the gospel and to rebuke anything and anyone whose life style contradicts the Word.
You see, that’s why John the Baptist was killed for standing against politicians whose lifestyle contradicted the Word. He only aligned himself to God’s word and was able to tell the king it was wrong to have sex with his brother’s wife Mk.6;14-29
when pastors go after their church members wife, when pastors have sexual relationship their leaders, when so call men of God go after little boys and their wife has to leave them and they have to end up in court. and the list can go on and on. what I thing is pastor Rodney if he has a problem with pastor Wilson he should call him and speak with him. what dose it profit the kingdom by going on the radio to blast another man of God, this is ungodly, devilish, and self centered for a so call man of God. Pastor Randy causing more hurt to the kingdom of God then the devil himself. the same thing he did to Peter Augustine and look at the deference, up to now Peter has not yet answer him, this is a Godly man. I will advice Randy to stop playing politics with God business, either you are a politician or a pastor make up you mine bro.
Because LOL, if that is your name, Pastor Rodney has identified the weaknesses in some pastors and churches. It is like going the Thief birthday party who has stole all your property but you just cant stay away from him, because of fame.
Augustine could not answer Rodney because there was no defence…
For ALL have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23
Incidentally, that all includes you. It’s fine to name the sins of others, tell us what are yours or are you without? What you are doing is the very reason our society is at this base level. By now you should realize Pastor Randy is not moved by any of your comments. He speaks when he has to. This statement is not an insult to anyone. It appears everyone in Dominica must turn momooo.
The churches make hundreds of thousands of tax free money, they have the ears of the government ministers and the establishment. they have social and economic power, why have the churches not sought to establish facilities for the communities they preach in for youth to develop themselves and give back to communities? i see the pentecostal church has a playground in their parking lot in goodwill. that is a good start. But these pastors and so called men of the cloth HAVE FAILED. Rodney will use the entire lot just to put more seats in the “church”, because more seats in more alms/ money. but what about facilities to develop the youth of your congregation in the communities that you preach in. its not about passing blame and calling out who slate clean and not. all of our slates dirty some more than others. its about doing good for other. not for yourselves like how JESUS WOULD HAVE.
Religious leaders, pastors, evangelist, church leaders now is the time to come together and not be at war of who say this and who say that. What we need is a call for prayer and fast for the country of Dominica. Things will not change unless we prayer and fast for the country and its leaders. Let the cry of the Nation be heard and God will open up the heavens and sent down his spirit. When the spirit of Almighty God began to move then we will see great changed to our nation. There is a very heavy clouds over the island. Pastors am sending out this call to start a nation wide fasting. If we don’t God will pour out his wrath again and only the righteous will be spared.
Here we go again like prayer and fasting will solve our problems. when Jesus came back to the temple and found the corrupt priests and merchants using the temple like a rum shop for all man to come and pull up and make and spend money did he say oh…”lets all just pray and fast, maybe the problem will fix itself if it is God’s will?” NO the same Bible you read say he turned over tables and put a whip to their backs and drove them out. My point is, praying and fasting will only get you so far, and these days not that far if you want to see actual change. So you can go on you nationwide fast Sandra, enjoy, i’ll be fulling my belly after i say grace before meals. Action is the way towards change. you dont like something,,,change it
All the sexual sins that you are looking for the government to fix is demonic, so therefore Dominica do need praying and fasting, because even Jesus said in His word that those demons only come out through prayher and fasting. There is a time to call a fast, it was done in the Old Testament and they prevailed. Only satan will tell you dont call to fast because he know what happen when the people pray. There is a demonic cloud over the island, and thank God for those eyes that can see it. I pray that the believers will take heed to Sandra call, what the enemy would like is to see the christians quiet, dont pray, then he can do havoc, Satan trembles when we pray. So don’t only pray for the food for your belly smdh, but pray for food for your soul.
Yes pasta rock. You never cease to amaze me. When will you learn to talk without insulting? You behave like you are MR. PERFECT whose slate is clean and without scar.
I agree that Pastors must come together and pray without castigating other fellow ministers and creating an atmosphere of discord and disunity. It is important to say that those who live in glass houses should not throw stones or as Jesus Himself stated to the legsllistic and hypocritical Pharaisees about their apparent self-righteouseness when they had more sins that those whom they seek to vilify.
@ SAmanta, The job of a good servant of Christ is to rebuke all ungodliness of men that contradicts the word of God, whether is an angel or a prophet that is doing it Pastor Randy may sound like a lonely voice but let’s not forget Elijah felt like that when the prophets became servants of Baal instead of servants of God 1kings chapters 17,18 19. That’s exactly what pas, Randy did and I am happy he is a voice in the wilderness.
All those of you who gave ‘lol’ a thumbs down for speaking the truth, just committed idolatry! You know it’s the truth but you are there worshipping the pastor.
I wish you could point out the areas in the statement where Pastor Randy insulted anyone, projected himself as MR PERFECT or one whose slate is clean and without scar. Thank God it is God who forgives sins and does not need the approval or recommendation of men to do so.