Skelton-Cline Criticises Prioritising Politics Over Faith
Claude Skelton Cline Outspoken commentator and ordained pastor Claude Skelton Cline has accused residents of placing politics above their religious beliefs, arguing that selfish ambitions and political divisions have become deeply entrenched in Virgin Islands society.
Claude Skelton Cline Outspoken commentator and ordained pastor Claude Skelton Cline has accused residents of placing politics above their religious beliefs, arguing that selfish ambitions and political divisions have become deeply entrenched in Virgin Islands society. Speaking on his Honestly Speaking radio programme, Skelton Cline suggested that political allegiance has effectively replaced Christianity as the guiding force in many people’s lives. “Part of the political molestation that I’ve been talking about in the last couple of weeks, and why so many families are unable to focus in this country, is because politics is our religion.
And I want to tell you, all of this is idolatry,” he declared. “Politics in these Virgin Islands trumps our faith,” he continued, arguing that political divisions have become increasingly pronounced over the past decade. Although he is criticising the general sentiment in the country, Skelton Cline himself has faced criticism over his political positions, with some residents rejecting his religious messaging because of views they consider divisive.
His comments also come as several political factions position themselves ahead of the next general election, with established parties, emerging movements and independent candidates competing for influence. “Everybody, their mother, and their mother-in-law, the father, and the father-in-law, believes and feels that they should be premier of this country,” Skelton Cline remarked.
Notably, Skelton Cline has publicly rejected People’s Leadership Movement leader Mark Vanterpool’s premiership ambitions, arguing that his Anguillan roots disqualify him from the position. Many have condemned the clergyman for his rejection of Vanterpool, citing it as another example of the division Skelton Cline creates in the community.
Nevertheless, Skelton Cline insisted that personal ambition remains at the heart of the territory’s political problems. “Division comes when self-interest is established,” he repeated, warning that political ambitions are increasingly undermining unity among residents. Church distances itself from Pastor Skelton Cline
Primary source: BVI News