WHEN is the religious right on-island and off-island—in the mainland—going to stop giving the benefit of the doubt to politicians because they go to a particular church or say all the right things in their presence?
The conservative religious bloc on-island and off-island should be able to separate their conviction for their Lord Jesus Christ and the state which is run by folks who might be using them to get what they want for their cronies. Consider the PDN which is a mostly conservative newspaper or at least, center-right on most issues but they have been able to fulfill their “fiduciary” duties in holding a conservative administration; that is, if you want to call Gov. Felix P. Camacho’s administration an accountable and responsible one. And PDN Publisher Lee P. Webber is a “religious right evangelical” conservative, unlike the folks at Newstalk K-57, who are mostly conservative but of the Catholic persuasion (save for Travis Coffman). So it is much more difficult for him, Webber, to lead an organization that critiques the administration on a daily basis when they might be going to the same church, or at least the “same-type” of church.
I’m only pleading with the pastors and ministers of evangelical Protestant churches to stay out of the political realm or in essence, to pull the “red carpet” out from underneath, so to speak. Treat them like you would treat anyone else. Felix Camacho, George Bamba (and now Mike Cruz) have all proven to be adept to politicians. If they want to prove their love for Jesus Christ, let them relinquish their power, sell their earthly possessions, and follow their Lord and Savior to the ends of the earth. Then there would be no need for a “petition” to oust these cunning, crafty, devious “leaders” since anyone will sign a petition. (If you say they have “helped” the people, even then you will lose that argument since Carl T.C. Gutierrez has “helped” more.)

MATT PHILIPS
Mangilao, Guam