6 Erica Virtue Senior Gleaner Writer THE BOULEVARD Baptist Church membership last month voted down a proposal from its pastor, Reverend Devon Dick, to add to the agenda of a business meeting a discussion and vote on whether same-sex unions could receive “blessings” at the church. Speaking during a service held on Sunday, November 9, he notified members that they should be prepared to vote on the matter at the end of that week. “At the members’ meeting, we also need to vote,” he said while making general announcements at the close of the service. “What are we to vote on? You should know that there is some split within the Anglican Church on the issue of homosexuality and the Roman Catholic Church has said that their priests can bless homosexual [couples] in a ceremony. We need to do a vote [on] what is our position, allowing, say, if two males want to get married or want to be blessed, if it can be done in this sanctuary. So I ask you to come out and vote on Saturday. It will be a secret ballot, so nobody will know how you vote. You just vote yes or no ... ,” he said. However, The Sunday Gleaner was told that the meeting needed a quorum of 40 – 10 per cent of members – to get under way. Sixty-nine members turned out. The church members acted before the proposal could even reach the agenda, voting instead to ensure it was never formally tabled. Speaking with The Sunday Gleaner, Dick confirmed that a majority who cast ballots voted in a preliminary motion “not to vote on the question”. “The vote was not to vote on the issue,” the long-standing Baptist clergyman sought to explain. “The number of people who voted against doing the vote was about 15. The majority was abstention. Naturally, the majority carried,” he said, noting that he did not have the exact figures on hand. When The Sunday Gleaner asked him to expound, he said: “Well, it means some … probably some lack of comfort with the issue. You know, churches ... churches are conservative. But that’s it. But that was an interpretation, you know.” Asked for the context behind raising the matter at all, he again paused before responding: “You are aware that the Roman Catholic Church earlier this year – not for marriage, same-sex marriage – but they are allowed to bless couples in same-sex relationships. You’re aware of that? That was the context. I think I mentioned that.” NON-LITURGICAL BLESSINGS In December 2023, Pope Francis approved a Vatican document (Fiducia Supplicans) allowing priests to offer non-liturgical blessings to same-sex couples and individuals in “irregular situations”, emphasising these are blessings for persons – not the union itself – and must avoid any impression of marriage or ritualisation, distinguishing them from sacramental marriage. The declaration stressed compassion, welcoming all to God’s mercy, but maintained traditional doctrine that marriage is between a man and a woman, meaning no formal church marriage for same-sex couples. Pope Francis, who became the head of the Roman Catholic Church in 2013, died earlier this year. His NO VOTE ON GAY UNION BLESSINGS Reverend Dr Karl Johnson Rev. Devon Dick - Boulevard Baptist Church members strike matter from meeting agenda - Not being considered at any level, says global leader PLEASE SEE UNION, 7 THE ROYAL Ethiopian Trust has made a US$5,000 donation to support Jamaica’s Hurricane Melissa Recovery efforts. The disclosure was made by Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Minister, Olivia Grange, at last Wednesday’s post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House. Grange read a letter from Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie, grandson of His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Haile Selassi, addressed to Prime Minister, Dr Andrew Holness, which outlined the donation. “I would like to express my deepest condolence for the tragedy brought to Jamaica by Hurricane Melissa. The loss of life and the damage to Jamaica’s infrastructure brings sadness and raises challenges. I know that while you mourn what has been lost, you will lead Jamaica into a better future through the process of rebuilding,” he said. “In light of the long-standing bonds of friendship between Jamaica and Ethiopia, I want to do everything in my power to help you in that process. To that end I have authorised the Royal Ethiopian Trust, of which I am the patron, to make a US$5,000 donation to your Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), which was sent by wire transfer a week ago,” he said. The Minister said fundraising efforts through the ‘I Love Jamaica’ series continue, noting that discussions are under way with several organisations and friends of Jamaica in major diaspora cities that have expressed interest in staging I Love Jamaica concerts in their areas. The initiative commenced with the I Love Jamaica virtual concert and telethon on Sunday, November 23. It was broadcast live on television in Jamaica and streamed across the world via social media. The telethon raised more than $65 million towards the national hurricane Melissa relief programme. Grange said $45.7 million has already been received and deposited to the Support Jamaica account. “Based on pledges made, we also anticipate that an additional sum of approximately $20 million will be received shortly and, in fact, we have started receiving those pledges,” she said. Grange noted that a number of Jamaicans in Hollywood – actors and actresses, producers and directors and friends of Jamaica – have also launched a campaign to raise funds towards Jamaica’s Hurricane Melissa relief programme. - JIS News Follow The Gleaner on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @ JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @ GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com. JAMAICA IS looking to partner with the Clinton Foundation to assist with Hurricane Melissa recovery, according to Minister Olivia Grange, who is in charge of Government. The announcement followed a meeting with former United States President Bill Clinton in St Andrew on Thursday. In a post on her official Facebook page, Grange said it was her pleasure to share the evening with Clinton at a private dinner hosted by Sandals hotel boss Ambassador Adam Stewart, along with senior members of the Government and other officials. “We remain deeply grateful for the tremendous support provided in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. We look forward to partnering with the Clinton Foundation,” said Grange who is leading Government as Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness travels overseas on official business. Grange said earlier on Thursday Clinton was taken on an aerial tour to observe damage caused by Hurricane Melissa, which slammed Jamaica on October 28 killing at least 45 persons and leaving more than a $1 trillion in damage. The Clinton Foundation is an international non-profit organisation known for its work in disaster recovery, health, climate resilience and economic development worldwide. Follow The Gleaner on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @ GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@ gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com. Gov’t signals possible Clinton Foundation role in hurricane recovery Jamaica receives donation of US$5,000 from Royal Ethiopian Trust Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie Contributed Via Olivia Grange/ Facebook Minister Olivia Grange, who is charge of the Jamaican Government, meets with former United States President Bill Clinton in St Andrew on December 4, 2025 to discuss potential partnership with the Clinton Foundation in support of Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts. THE WEEKLY GLEANER | DECEMBER 11, 2025 - JANUARY 7, 2026 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS
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