IRO Head Condemns Church Theft, Urges Respect for Sacred Artefacts

Dr. Ellis Burris, president of the Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO), has strongly condemned the theft of two sacred gold-plated monstrances from St. Mary's RC Church in St. James. Valued at approximately $15,000, the vessels were stolen during an early morning break-in last week. Burris urged citizens to respect places of worship and the religious artefacts they hold sacred, stating, "We want to dissuade people from engaging in these nefarious acts." He also called for national prayer, asking citizens to pray for the country and its leaders.

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I don’t condone it. We (IRO) would not support the disruption and desecration of sacred places of worship. People should not be tampering with the sacred vessels used in worship. We want to dissuade people from engaging in these nefarious acts.

The incident occurred when parish priest Fr. Emmanuel Pierre encountered an intruder shortly after arriving at the church. He later discovered the sacristy had been ransacked and the monstrances, used for displaying the consecrated Eucharistic host, were missing. Burris emphasized the sanctity of these items, stating, "Don't interfere with peoples’ religious artefacts. Don't tamper with the artefacts that they hold sacred. The items which they cherish."

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Don’t interfere with peoples’ religious artefacts. Don’t tamper with the artefacts that they hold sacred. The items which they cherish.

Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles also condemned the break-in during her Corpus Christi message. She described the theft as "deeply painful and unacceptable," calling it "not only a crime against property, but also an assault on the spiritual dignity of a community and the conscience of the nation." Beckles praised Fr. Pierre's response, finding inspiration in his words, "There's a better way to live," and urged that this message reach communities affected by crime and despair, guiding young people toward dignity and hope.

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Let us pray and ask Almighty God to bless each other and our country. Pray for our leaders and elders. Continue to worship God in spirit and in truth. The Holy Bible says, ‘The prayer of a righteous man availeth much.’