The Jamaica Umbrella Groups of Churches has demanded a statement of clarification from Transport Minister Daryl Vaz, explaining that the Church was not involved in the rum libation ritual on the school buses.

This in the wake of backlash from members of the Christian community after they watched a viral social media video of the Minister performing the ritual at the recent bus blessing ceremony in Kingston.

The Jamaica Council of Churches distanced itself from the ritual, indicating that its officiants were not present at the time of the activity and that the ritual is not a part of the Christian liturgy.

In its own follow-up statement, the umbrella group also sought to distance the Church from the activity.

JUGC Chairman, Apostle Bishop Dr. Michael Smith pointed out that he and JCC President Bishop Christine Gooden-Benguche conducted a formal prayer and blessing for the buses.

The JUGC Chair said not only was this act insulting, it was also disrespectful to the clergy who accepted the Government’s invitation to offer prayers and blessing.

Bishop Smith said the group understands the view of many who believe what they deem to be an offensive video was inserted to create a false association.

He said the Church categorically stated that the ritual was not part of the official blessing and that their officiants had no prior knowledge of it.

The JUGC Chairman said Mr. Vaz’s actions made a mockery of the principles and practices of the Christian Church.

As such, the Churches are disappointed because, in their view, the Minister’s actions brought the Church and the Government into disrepute.

This as the actions of Vaz do not reflect the values of the Christian Church and the Church cannot endorse them.

The JUGC wants Vaz to immediately retract the videos from social media and issue a statement clarifying that the Jamaica Council of Churches and the Jamaica Umbrella Groups of Churches were not involved in the ritual.