Church Service to Promote Healing and Unity

The National Church Service observing Local Government and Community Month takes place in Emancipation Square, Spanish Town, St. Catherine on Sunday, November 14 at 3:00 p.m., preceded by a cultural presentation.
Speaking with JIS News, Regional Director of the Social Development Commission (SDC), Spanish Town, Enid Morrison noted that Spanish Town was chosen because of the spate of crime in the town and it was felt that it was timely to reach out to the community in a gesture of healing.
“Emancipation Square being the cradle of freedom from where the Proclamation was made years ago.we have a responsibility to this legacy and so we have chosen to start the spiritual healing process in the square,” she said.
Citing the theme for the month: ‘Together We Can.Renew, Reclaim and Rebuild our Communities for a Safe and Prosperous Jamaica’, Mrs. Morrison described it as “significant”, adding that each citizen should realize that individually, they have a responsibility to reclaim and renew the process of community building.
“The church service seeks to heighten the participatory process of communities in building a safer place for ourselves and our children. The rich history of Emancipation Square should not be abandoned to the crime and violence and we are hoping that persons will leave the service with a renewed sense of healing,” she said.
Mrs. Morrison also encouraged persons to come out for the National Community Clean-up Days planned for Spanish Town on November 20 and 21. This is being done to support the theme because “healing and renewal should spring from a clean and healthy environment,” she said.
The private sector, citizens and Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs) have indicated their willingness to participate in the two days of clean-up. The second phase will involve sustaining the cleanliness achieved.
Local Government and Community Month is being planned in the context of re-emphasizing the strength, role, partnership and the right of the community in today’s society and the fostering of greater participation of the leaders and residents.
The observance of the month takes on greater meaning this year as partnerships and sustainable development is the intended focus.