The Jamaica Council of Churches (JCC) has sought to clarify its role in the blessing of the buses to be used for the Rural School Bus System.

The Council issued a statement today on its reported involvement in the cultural ritual of using rum for blessing.

There has been criticism of the use of the rum for the blessing, following videos showing rum being poured on the buses.

The JCC explains that it accepted an invitation from the Transport Minister to dedicate the buses as it supports the initiative to provide transport for students.

According to the statement, President of the JCC Bishop Christine Gooden-Benguche was an officiant along with another clergy member at the event yesterday.

Part of the programme saw the persons moving to the lawns of the office of the Prime Minister where the buses were parked.

The statement says after additional prayers of dedication for the buses and the symbolic use of holy water to bless the units, the clergy officiants left the location.

The JCC says it has seen images and video on social media which that purport the use of an alcoholic libation as a ritual in the event.

According to the JCC, its aware of the religious and cultural significance of such a ritual.

It however, points out that this ritual is not a part of the christian liturgy that is practiced in churches.

As such Bishop Gooden-Benguche and the other Clergy Officiants were not involved in or present at any time when such an activity took place.

The JCC says it appreciates Jamaica’s rich and diverse culture in general and its understanding of its historical retention in particular.

The churches stressed that they do not embrace these practices in the christian liturgy.