The killing of 51-year-old Andrea Lowe-Garwood in the midst of a church service has shocked the nation. This was executed in front of worshipers both young and old alike and has left the church community fear stricken not only in Falmouth but island-wide.
This incident is almost like deja vu, as a man in February last year was killed at the Emmanuel Apostolic Church Grounds on Slipe road in Kingston.
A place of refuge for many in the predominantly Christian society seems to not be as safe as it once was as criminals have brazenly committed the murder that is not only against the law but a sacrilege in the faith.
Chairman of the Jamaica Umbrella Group of Churches and President of Jamaica Evangelical Alliance Reverend Dr. Peter Garth says not only does he believe that it is too easy for criminals to access guns but the psyche of young criminals is alarming to know the suspect who is nineteen (19) did a crime as heinous as this
Reverend Garth says the nation must remember that Christians are not immune to the crime and this should be a moment of action. He says though prayers are good, churches should be proactive.
The Chairman says though the killing has shaken up the nation and the immediate reaction may be to pray for retribution and vengeance, grace is to be extended.
