As Halloween grows in popularity among Jamaicans, two church leaders remain undecided on whether the ancient festival should be celebrated here.

While Bishop Dr Grace Ade-Gold has called on Christians to stand up and condemn the “satanic” celebration, Anglican priest Sean Major Campbell believes there are bigger issues for the church to resolve within its own walls.

In an impassioned call for action, Bishop Ade-Gold said the celebration, which is observed on October 31 in many countries, was based on demonic principles and evoked evil spirits, and that it would cause further chaos in Jamaica.

“The church must speak out against this. The church must stand up against this. Unfortunately, there are some churches that can’t see that this is evil, and they participate by dressing up in costumes, partying, and things like that.

“People need to be taught that this is satanic, they need to be enlightened about these things,” said the founding president of Arise Shine Apostolic and Deliverance Ministries. “We shouldn’t agree with this.”

“Many people are caught up in the ceremonies and costumes, but they don’t realize that they summon evil spirits into the nation. We must stop doing this. “We need some seminars, workshops and conferences to put this situation aside and call the Church back to the true gospel of Jesus Christ,” Ade-Gold said. Jamaica Observer.

Halloween is known for its pagan and religious roots as well as its secular traditions. This day marks the beginning of Allhallowtide, a three-day event dedicated to remembering the dead, followed by All Saints’ Day on November 1 and All Souls’ Day on November 2.

It is believed that those who die on Halloween return to their homes. To celebrate the occasion, people would light bonfires on the hills to scare away evil spirits wandering around and wear masks to avoid being recognized by the ghosts thought to be there.

Celebrated mostly in Europe and North America, the day is now celebrated with people wearing masks and costumes for parties and trick-or-treating. Trick-or-treaters go from house to house with the threat that they will cheat if they do not receive a treat, usually candy. Individuals also decorate their homes with pumpkins, skeletons, and spider webs for the spooky season.

The celebration has grown in popularity in Jamaica; Many event planners and party planners host Halloween-themed gatherings where patrons are encouraged to dress in costume. Decorative items to celebrate the occasion can also be purchased from some local shops and supermarkets.

But Bishop Ade-Gold is adamant because of its origins and the belief that the days of evil spirits roaming around should not be emphasized in Jamaica. He calls on religious leaders to turn away those celebrating the occasion and to enlighten people about the possible consequences of bringing this tradition to Jamaica.

“People in the church need to practice fasting and praying, but they think praying and fasting is too much, so they are looking for a quick solution to some problem, so we are easily drawn into all kinds of troubles. “These ungodly things… Satan is waiting to draw everyone and people into things that are sinful and sinful,” Bishop Ade-Gold said.

“The church is asleep and we need to wake up now,” he emphasized.

The bishop argued that righteousness exalts the nation, while sin defiles the nation and causes many bad things to happen.

“After all these ceremonies, things that are not good are happening in the nation, blood is being shed, all kinds of things will happen because we are awakening evil spirits in the nation and that’s why we should really stop doing these things,” he said. .

But the Rev. Major Campbell said the Church had bigger problems to solve.

“While not one to celebrate Halloween, I often find it interesting that those who take the time to condemn costume parades and trick-or-treaters. Scary things don’t appeal to me at all. There is enough ugliness in the world,” said Major Campbell.
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“But if someone enjoys a Halloween party, why would a Christian feel the need to mount a crusade against it? “Instead, I use my energy to fight against prejudice, hatred, injustice and everything that is contrary to love and human rights for all,” he said.

The Rev. Major Campbell, an avid human rights activist and public theologian, said the Church should devote more time to combating evil within its walls.

“It’s quick and easy to condemn Halloween and costume parties. “Lies, hypocrisy, child abuse, theft and corruption in the church are harder to address,” said Major Campbell.

“Trying to combat Halloween celebrations is tantamount to imposing one’s religious beliefs on others. “The church must devote time to promoting equal rights and justice for all,” he said.