Seventh-day Adventist Church leaders recently reflected on the paradoxical nature of technological advancements in religious freedom during a panel at the Jamaica Union Conference Religious Summit in Kingston, Jamaica, January 30, 2025. They explained how new technologies pose significant threats while creating new opportunities, as country officials, including the Prime Minister, the Most Honorable Andrew Holness, discussed achievements and challenges of religious freedom in Jamaica.
The State of Affairs in Jamaica
Holness noted that the Jamaica’s historical tolerance of diverse religions is the result of decades of deliberate effort to honor constitutional rights and foster mutual respect, a culture he says should not be taken for granted. He admitted that although religious tolerance is high, there is still work to be done.
“We recognize that despite our constitutional guarantees, some of our citizens continue to face challenges in freely practicing their faith, particularly in the workplace and educational institutions. We have heard the voices of those who may feel their religious observances are sometimes misunderstood or disregarded. These concerns are legitimate, and as a society, we must work together to find solutions that uphold both individual rights and institutional responsibilities,” he said.
The prime minister added that the freedoms must be pursued in a balanced way to maintain national stability. “Freedom comes with responsibilities. Oftentimes, the conversation is one-sided in this regard. As we continue our journey to a rights-based society, which we have taken many steps towards, we must also, at the same time, become a responsible society. The journey to liberty without responsibility arrives at the destination of chaos.”