Sean Major-Campbell | Revival helping to prepare Jamaica for Zion

THE AIR was electric. The crowd was ecstatic. The energy was alive as the liturgy unfolded with the preparation and consecration of the table. It was the National Revival Church Service on the occasion of the Inaugural Revival Conference.

The inspiring service held under the theme ‘United for One Cause’ was facilitated at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre on May 28. It also marked the birthday of the Most Hon. Edward Seaga, ON, P.C., LL.D (Hon), a passionate supporter of Revivalism. The tribute noted, “His early anthropological research documented Revival music, rituals and beliefs, ensuring they would not be lost in time. By including Revival practices in state ceremonies and cultural festivals, he helped shift public perception and elevate the faith from the margins of society to the heart of national consciousness.

SACRED TABLE

It was most impressive to see the active presence and participation of youth and young adults in the consecration of the table and general praise and worship session. The table which was beautifully covered with flowers, fruits, water, juice, cream soda, grains, breads and such delights, saw everyone free to dance around the table. The space around the sacred table was not reserved for the ordained, specially licensed, or commissioned. Members of Zion were clearly free to dance and sing in praise around the consecrated board.

I attended this colourful event because of my own interest in decolonising Christianity. Colonised Christianity assumes a jacket and tie ensemble with competing fashions particularly burdensome on women who must show evidence re possession of a kaleidoscopic wardrobe. However, Revival sisters and brothers were for the most part decked out in khaki tunics. They were clearly not moved to serve Eurocentric demand re western presentations of clothing.

On a day when the Saharan dust plume from the African Desert, covered Jamaica, descendants of formerly enslaved Africans defied any assumption that Revivalism was not alive and well. Zion was affirmed and celebrated as the same dust rose in lights amid the praising, dancing, worshipping and spirited offering to the glory of God.

As an Anglican priest, it is of much significance to me that the Revivalism Handbook affirms belief and service of God the Creator. Its holy book is the Bible; and Baptism is an initiatory rite which shows the new birth in Christ. It is also a Eucharistic community observing Holy Communion or Lord’s Supper. This is not the preservation of traditional or older churches. The altar represents the presence of God, and is therefore a holy space in Revival tradition. The altar which also points to the sacrificial offering of Christ in other traditions like Anglicanism, therefore has the practice of reverently bowing in front of the altar.

These are important observations when one considers that many are quick to negatively dismiss Revival tradition when they really do not understand it. Hence there are people who simply see them as an “obeah group”.

WATER AND LIME

The wash basin represents the pool of Bethesda, used for healing in the Gospel according to St John. I recall as a child seeing the basin set up by the street corner. There was also a piece of croton plant, pencil and ruler and bell. Sometimes the pencil was in the waist and sometimes behind the ear. An exercise book was often among the items. And yes, there was chalk. On such occasions, a seal or holy ground was prepared. It was not unusual to see water and lime sprinkled to cut and clear the space.

While the croton among other plants is used for beautification and in welcoming messengers from God, in some elements of Jamaican folklore, the croton symbolises eternal life and some believe there is a psalm represented behind each leaf.

The notion of writing as the Spirit gives utterance is consistent with St John the Divine, who in obedience wrote as he received revelation on the isle of Patmos. The chalk is used to do the same thing as it bears resonance with Jesus’ writing on the ground in the account of the woman caught in adultery. The ruler is often in tow as a reminder that spiritual life is to be measured and assessed. You will find the Revivalism Handbook quite handy in clearing up misunderstandings and prejudices concerning Revival.

The shepherd’s staff is known in Anglican, Roman Catholic, and other Christian traditions. Revival uses the rod in celebration of authority, discipline, love, and comfort, all consistent with the shepherding metaphor of pastoral leadership and care.

COLONIAL MASTERS

Revivalism’s use of symbols and traditions from traditional Christianity, without the dependence on authentication from the colonial masters, is radically celebratory of the outpouring of Holy Spirit and consistent with Apostolic experience. It defies dependence on canonical authority in how matters of the Spirit are understood.

Father Bertram Gayle, Anglican priest and Priest-in-Charge of the Christ Church Cure in Port Antonio (Portland Parish Church) was quite comfortable at the beautifully decked table as seen in the picture. This would be anathema a few years ago. Jamaicans are waking up to the place for church and religious expression that happens on our terms beyond the dictates of European aesthetics and cosmology.

Congratulations are in order for the United Zion Revival Council of Churches as it continues in faith and resilience. You continue to make a significant contribution to our Motto: Out of Many One People. Our Motto is an aspiration, a journey, a goal. May we truly seek to affirm the great family of God which no one can number. Zion is proud of you.

Fr Sean Major-Campbell is an Anglican priest and advocate for human rights and dignity. Please send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and seanmajorcampbell@yahoo.com