RC Vicar General responds to online videos promoting hateful teachings

The Vicar General for the Archdiocese of Port of Spain is condemning several “unfortunate” and “misguided” online videos promoting religious intolerance against various religious communities.

Speaking out on the issue, Fr Martin Sirju emphasised the individual behind these videos, who claims to be a follower of Rastafarianism, misrepresents the religion’s core values which are based on peace, love, and unity.

Drawing attention to the legacy of Bob Marley, the renowned Rastafarian musician, Fr Sirju pointed out that Marley returned to Jamaica from London to “establish peace and prevent his country from exploding into violence”. This act of peacebuilding, he observed, directly contradicts the rhetoric of violence and hatred espoused in the videos.

The vicar expressed concern that these videos promote “religious intolerance, religious hatred and even violence,” which goes against the teachings not only of Rastafarianism but also of many of the world’s major religions. “Everyone today is in the business of peace-making,” Fr Sirju remarked, noting, “in order to secure a more peaceful world, we have to work together.”

In particular, he referred to the Christian perspective, citing scriptures from Ephesians and Colossians that speak about the cross of Christ as a symbol of reconciliation. “Not building barriers, [but]… reconciling people and drawing people to one another,” he said.

Fr Sirju further emphasised the importance of safeguarding traditions of harmony, cooperation, and mutual respect. He pointed to the “noble and edifying” tradition of people from different races, classes, and religions living together peacefully in societies, as exemplified by inter-religious organisations that serve as a testament to these values.

Rejecting the hateful teachings in the videos, Fr Sirju called on all individuals, regardless of their religious beliefs, to work together for the common good. “Yes, we believe differently and so on, but we have to work together to build up the nation, especially at this time,” he said.

He stressed the importance of being our “brother’s and sister’s keeper” and working collaboratively to “build up our country for the betterment of all.”