Al returns to his flock

During yesterday's 10 a.m. worship session when the Reverend Merrick 'Al' Miller appeared before the congregation at his St Andrew church, Fellowship Tabernacle, the buzz in the air was immediately heightened.

As Miller bounded on to the pulpit to take the mic, the atmosphere in the building reached its zenith as congregants expressed their joy at seeing their pastor.

The hymn lyrics 'Arise, arise', which took hold of the church hall at that moment, seemed appropriate for Miller, who has been under pressure over the last week.

Miller's role in the Christopher 'Dudus' Coke saga came to a climax when he was found in the presence of the fugitive who has since been extradited to the United States to face drug and gunrunning charges.

Miller and Coke were travelling in a Toyota RAV4 SUV when the police stopped them on the Mandela Highway, near the border of Kingston and St Catherine, last Tuesday afternoon, ending the almost monthlong chase for the former Tivoli Gardens don.

After two days of questioning by the police, Miller was charged with harbouring a fugitive and perverting the course of justice.

He, however, has certainly lost little favour in the eyes of his congregants and, revelling in being among his own, Miller took the opportunity to 'bus' a move' to the delight of the crowd.

Misconceptions cleared up

After the singing died down, Miller addressed the congregation, giving thanks for the texts, emails and phone calls wishing him well.

He then sought to clear up what he saw as misconceptions in the public sphere.

"It is certainly not accurate that yours truly was in a convoy of gunmen before and after; it never happened. The second statement I have picked up, people have called me and asked if I was trying to escape. Again, there is no truth to this statement. He who lives in this country and know how Earth run wouldest not consider to do such a thing," he said.

Members of the congregation were also happy to declare their support for Miller.

"He acted according to the principles of the word of God and that's what any Christians should do in any given situation," argued Deacon Dean Downey.

Another church member, Marlon Young, said he supported Miller, whom he labelled his "shepherd".

Young said those without knowledge of the situation would judge his pastor unfairly.

Miller told The Gleaner he was not worried about the court case against him.

"I'm not even thinking of it; I'm not making an issue of it. It will sort itself out and I know and I have absolute confidence that justice will prevail and no matter what happen, it will be all good," he said.

He again defended his decision to transport Coke, saying he believed he was right to follow his conscience which was informed by his Christian commitment.

The reverend told his congregation, "Fault me on how you see the outcome, but do not fault me on my conscience."

Miller is scheduled to appear in court on Friday to answer to charges of harbouring a fugitive and perverting the course of justice.