Presbyterian minister Rev Daniel Teelucksingh said yesterday that the looting at the controversial Lighthouse of the Lord Jesus Christ church at Guanapo was indicative of the decline of spirituality in T&T. Speaking at the 138th anniversary service of the Susamachar Presbyterian Church in San Fernando yesterday, Teelucksingh said T&T was in great danger because people had lost their fear of God. "As we celebrate our church anniversary, we see the looting of the Lighthouse of the Lord Jesus Christ at Guanapo has become the subject of a national debate," Teelucksingh said.
"It has caused a stand-off between the Attorney General and the Commissioner of Police. The church site has been creating scandal and it is possibly one of the factors that led to the fall of the last government." He told worshippers that despite the controversy, the church should be seen as a symbol of hope for the people. "I pray that the church will continue to be a source of spiritual power and strength for people," Teelucksingh said.
"It is evident that we are losing our ethical and spiritual compass as a nation and as a people, because the looting shows that we have lost respect for God. "The looting at the church is indicative of the decline of spirituality in T&T." Teelucksingh said that Susamachar church had also been looted. "People have come in here and taken the public address system, the copper tubing from the air condition unit...They have broken costly brass pipes and they love to steal amplifiers and table cloths," he said.
He added that people were losing their sense of fear of God. "Crime is a demon on the loose and if a nation cannot feel reverence to God then we are in great danger," Teelucksingh said. "If we are so boldfaced as to engage in looting, then looting of the national treasury will be no big deal...It will open up the way for looting in our homes, in businesses and in private property. "This is a nation under siege and we hope that God will continue to bless us and that Susamachar will be a light that will stand as a symbol in San Fernando."
After the service, a bell tower was commissioned. Several people received awards, including Peter Boysie Dass, Margaret Jagassar, Ahelia Raghoo, Joseph Rampersad and Barbera Mahabir.