Ordained by God! Bishop Cline defends pastors’ role in politics
Bishop John Cline has rejected criticism that pastors should not be involved in politics, arguing that both scripture and local history support the participation of religious leaders in governance.
Speaking on JTV recently, Bishop Cline described the view as “a misunderstanding and a misguided view,” insisting that there is no biblical basis for separating religious leadership from political involvement.
“That whole idea of separation in church and state is not a biblical thing at all,” Cline stated, adding that the concept originated in Western governance systems rather than scripture.
Cline pointed to biblical figures to support his position, saying leaders chosen to guide nations were often religious figures. “Whenever God wanted to deliver a nation, he looked for a man of God… Moses was a priest and a prophet,” he stated.
He also referenced King David, arguing that his legacy is remembered through his spiritual role rather than his political office. “We are not reading them as David the king. We are reading them as David, the man of God,” Cline stated.
Cline further argued that the belief that clergy should avoid politics contradicts biblical teaching. “Those who want to still hold on to that idea that a man of God should not be involved with politics is misguided,” he said, citing the scripture that “when the righteous rule, the people rejoice.”
In addition to scripture, Cline pointed to historical examples within the Virgin Islands to support his argument. He noted that several prominent political figures were also involved in religious life. “Lavity Stoutt… was a lay preacher in the Methodist Church. Ivan Dawson… was a lay preacher… T.B. Lettsome was a lay preacher,” he stated.
He said these examples show that religious involvement in leadership has precedent in the territory and should not be viewed as unusual.
Cline maintained that his own participation in public affairs is rooted in a sense of divine purpose. “I am well-positioned, ordained by God, appointed by God… for such a time as this,” he stated.
The comments come amid ongoing public debate in the Virgin Islands about the role of faith leaders in political life, particularly as some clergy have taken more active roles in governance and public advocacy.
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If you are elected then I think it’s safe to say yes it’s indeed ordained by the most high God. If not then the good lord have spoken. Further more, please don’t compare yourself to Hon. TB Lettsome. He was ordained because he held the seat for sometime. He was for the people. He did the work he was elected to do . He was not about draining the piggy bank . Cline, time will tell.
If I remember right, Bishop Cline did run for office. Either he was not elected or bowed out late in the race. Can’t remember.
I think the Lord spoke then, and he said NO to Cline, but Cline isn’t listening. In fact, Cline has his own plans; nothing to do with God or what the people want. I think Cline thinks he is Moses who must lead the people from captivity. The problem is he has no credibility. Not practicing what he preaches. Nobody’s following him. With all his rallies, he couldn’t even get his loyal church members to join. And I haven’t heard one thing come out of his mouth I can actually agree with — Nothing!
This is a clear indication of what he would be like as a leader. If he’s not listening to God, why would he listen to us.
Notably were Hon. H.Lavity Stoutt who spiritually led his party, and others like Hon. Rieeal George, Angel Smith, Hon. Prince Stoutt, Hon. Irene Penn-O’Neal, Hon.Louis Walters, and many more.
evil man dead on arrival
does lightening still strike? just asking
Do not be deceived. God is not mocked. A man came here from Afrika and so-call spoke over this man and encouraged him to run for office. Always remember that whenever someone is benefitting from you, even if its for a day, they will not offend you because they are in your zone. Not everybody who say God tell them things mean is God who tell them things. First, he need to seek God first before he can call himself a pastor or anything. Be a child of God first. You got to rule your own house first before trying to rule the body of Christ and the nation. Seek after God
pastors should be in church not in politics, these men are not real pastors
Wish these sky god believers will start showing concrete evidence of this god they are so daily to throw out in their political dogma.
a ordained superficial crooks…
Again another Rolex for your man of God and now a greedy Bill pension what more would a pious need oh government wheels.
““That whole idea of separation in church and state is not a biblical thing at all,” Cline stated, adding that the concept originated in Western governance systems rather than scripture.”
That’s because the Bishop is well aware that organized religion, a contrivance of mere men, is solely and only about power and money.
can disguise himself as an angel of light. God wants righteous men to lead righteous people. Not men who will be kneeling down to the god of the universe while conducting nefarious dealings behind the scene, in the background.
My question to you is simple: Are you a man of God?
A lot of things were ordained by God that you didn’t study lol. Should I name some Bishop?