“THE CHURCH NEEDS TO DO MORE” SAYS GOSPEL ARTIST GODDY GODDY!

GOSPEL deejay and pastor Goddy Goddy is of the opinion that Jamaica’s churches could play a more active role in the nation’s fight against crime. He believes they are too distracted in proving which denomination is correct.

“The crime is out of hand… It’s terrible. It’s is spiritual thing, as the Bible said: ‘We’re wrestling against principalities and powers.’ The churches need to step up… The handle is in the hand of the churches. If we can come together, take the streets, we can win over some of these guys for God,” he told Jamaica Observer yesterday.

Close to 70 people have been murdered since the start of the year. Last year, one of the bloodiest in the island’s history, saw more than 1,600 people killed violently.

Recently the United States Government issued a Level 2 advisory to its citizens in Jamaica. It urged its nationals not travel to some sections of Kingston, some sections of Montego Bay, and anywhere in Spanish Town due to “violence and shootings”.

The US has four, advisory levels: Level 1, is ‘a normal precaution’; the second level is ‘increased caution’; Level 3 is ‘reconsider travel arrangements’; and the Level 4 is ‘not to travel’.

Goddy Goody, whose given name is Howard Reynolds, is pastor of Faith Anointed Ministries in Old Harbor, St Catherine, and in Kingston.

“We’re too busy fighting a religious war among ourselves; we need to put denominations aside. We need to pray hard and take to the streets, and we need every one on-board — even the politicians,” he said.

The gospel deejay said being the pastor of two churches takes up a large chunk of his time. However, he’s still finds time for his music.

“I’m currently working on an album… Not more than 14 tracks. It is tentatively called I’m Back, since I’ve been off the music scene for some time. I’m working with producer Danny Browne as well as Sean Paul’s former drummer Richard Ffolkes. I’m hoping to release it this summer,” he said.

According to Goddy Goddy, the set will comprise new and former works. Tracks earmarked for the project include Let’s Go Forward For God (Faith Anointed imprint), Dem Nuh Bad (Ariff Butler), and the controversial Bring Di Money Come (Worship and Faith International Fellowship).

Goddy is known for songs including Chacka Chi Chi, Obeah Man Poppy Show, Run Mi Down, and Tears Fall featuring his brother Mark Ryan.