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Christians are 'culprits @ destroying & oppressing' youths - Skelton-Cline

- calls on religious community to empower rather than frustrate
Outspoken and controversial social commentator in the Virgin Islands (VI), Mr Claude O. Skelton-Cline has lashed out at the local Christian community for what he called 'oppressive and manipulative' behaviours they continue to exhibit with regards to the treatment of persons under their management. Photo: Facebook
In an unprecedented move, Pastor Skelton-Cline then moved to single out the Christian community, accusing them of being the oppressors in the Virgin Islands (VI) community, especially towards youths. Photo: VINO/File
In an unprecedented move, Pastor Skelton-Cline then moved to single out the Christian community, accusing them of being the oppressors in the Virgin Islands (VI) community, especially towards youths. Photo: VINO/File
Mr Claude O. Skelton-Cline, left, a local Christian Pastor, expressed his frustration during his opening commentary of the Tuesday, January 14, 2020, edition of his 'Honestly Speaking' show on public radio ZBVI 780 AM. Photo: Facebook
Mr Claude O. Skelton-Cline, left, a local Christian Pastor, expressed his frustration during his opening commentary of the Tuesday, January 14, 2020, edition of his 'Honestly Speaking' show on public radio ZBVI 780 AM. Photo: Facebook
BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI - Outspoken and controversial social commentator in the Virgin Islands (VI), Mr Claude O. Skelton-Cline has lashed out at the local Christian community for what he called 'oppressive and manipulative' behaviours they continue to exhibit.

Skelton-Cline, a local Christian pastor, expressed his frustration during his opening commentary of the Tuesday, January 14, 2020, edition of his 'Honestly Speaking' show on public radio ZBVI 780 AM.

Crabs in a barrel mentality 

"I want us to do a far better job in 2020 in building up each other, this tearing down, pulling down, this kind of... behind the back, crab mentality that happens to us, it is doing tremendous damage not just to each other... but really for our children and grandchildren," he told the listening audience.

Mr Skelton-Cline continued, "I want to challenge those persons who are in positions of authority... some of you who are in churches every week, the purpose of power is to empower, it's not to oppress, manipulate, frustrate persons or destroy people's spirit."

In a direct appeal to business owners and managers of various sectors, he urged them to treat people below their authority with courtesy and respect, 'we have to treat each other better with respect, particularly in these places of employment," he urged.

Christians singled out 

In an unprecedented move, Skelton-Cline then moved to single out the Christian community, accusing them of being the oppressors in the Virgin Islands (VI) community, especially towards youths.

"Church people, a lot of us we claim to be a religious community and a lot of us are in these churches every week but often times we are the culprits in destroying, in frustrating the spirits of our young people, in oppressing and doing manipulative things that keep other employees and persons who are under your management, in these frustrating positions," he said.

Lashing out again, Mr Skelton-Cline said the behaviour is wrong on all levels, "It's dead wrong, it doesn't help you, it doesn't help this community."

Over the past few months, Pastor Skelton-Cline has been especially vocal on social issues affecting the VI community, rather than focusing on politics.

He promised to use his platform to go deeper into the issues surrounding Christians and their behaviours in the coming weeks on his 'Honestly Speaking' show.

19 Responses to “Christians are 'culprits @ destroying & oppressing' youths - Skelton-Cline”

  • facts (15/01/2020, 12:38) Like (9) Dislike (13) Reply
    This man always on point
  • EGGZAKLY (15/01/2020, 12:56) Like (7) Dislike (4) Reply
    This is The most crucial, important issue that is reeking havoc on our community. This demonic activity needs be addressed post haste it is the main contributor to the destruction of this country.
  • GRANNY (15/01/2020, 13:29) Like (32) Dislike (3) Reply
    "pot calling the kettle black"
  • 911 (15/01/2020, 13:32) Like (9) Dislike (16) Reply
    love him or heat him he does be speaking good
  • HAHA (15/01/2020, 13:55) Like (11) Dislike (3) Reply
    Mr Skelton-Cline continued, "I want to challenge those persons who are in positions of authority... some of you who are in churches every week, the purpose of power is to empower, it's not to oppress, manipulate, frustrate persons or destroy people's spirit."

    He must be speaking to his own VIP people especially those who are on these boards. Preach Claude PREACH!
  • Yessss (15/01/2020, 14:46) Like (12) Dislike (1) Reply
    so true..... they are the most JUDGMENTAL SET OF PEOPLE!
  • Tola Again (15/01/2020, 15:29) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
    You spoke right mr. Cline, the churches are full of oppressors and negative influences towards youth.
  • Noooooo (15/01/2020, 16:21) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    "We have to treat each other better with respect, particularly in these places of employment," he urged.

    Or rather:

    "We have to treat each other better with respect, particularly in these places of WORSHIP"
  • detroit (15/01/2020, 17:43) Like (12) Dislike (3) Reply
    How can this dude talk about himself like that? Wow
  • musa (15/01/2020, 19:34) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    Take it cool pastor the governor & the police boss coming for you too.
    • my friend (16/01/2020, 23:52) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      He received the attention he was looking for. He knows his people love to pull each other down and thrive off negativity. You all are respponded the exact way he wanted you all to, cheering him on...he is trying to test you all out for a reaction with his sermons so you can start showing up at his church and filling up the offering plate. His membership rolls or collection must be on a decline so he is feeding you all bull.

      If he really cares, why doesn't he preach about various personalities/temperaments that are in the bible so he can demonstrate that although they were different the Lord found ways to help them exist together in his kingdom and we can do the same. If we just take the time to understand each other. You had sanguines, phelgematics, cholerics and melancholics. If you understand each of the 4 temperaments, it would help us see past each other's weakness rather than listening to Skelton Cline click bate sermons. He needs to teach his congregants not feed them drama for a sermon. He sounds just as messy as the men and women who cause confusion.
  • Oppressed (15/01/2020, 21:22) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    What oppresses us is the fact that generations of corruption has denied us proper schooling, amenities and infrastructure to realise our potential. The politicians and their cronies who take contracts without adequate skill or care and leave our territory crumbling and stinking of sewage. Other Offshore financial centres have thrived and diversified in the last four decades but looking around, it’s difficult to see our apparent GDP is many times higher than our neighbours but those neighbours have better schools, roads, recreation, internet, power, job and entrepreneurship opportunities. How can I start a business? The licensing is corrupt and archaic and takes so long, the banks have been abused and are pulling out so I can’t offer people here or visitors first world transactions (nobody deals in cash and cheques any more, it’s not the 80s) then you chase away anyone not from born here parents so they can’t stay my customers for long and the talented born heres all go and live in the US. Yeah we’re oppressed but we rarely figure exactly who has been doing the oppressing and it’s in our own back yard.
  • Lord o. I Agreed. (15/01/2020, 22:58) Like (5) Dislike (5) Reply
    Truth this man speaking... It takes lots of courage to speak out... He has nothing to fear. He is speaking his mind and I'm in agreement...
  • TRUTH TELLER (16/01/2020, 05:03) Like (38) Dislike (3) Reply
    Claude we with you on this, you are speaking facts and truth to power

    Keep being a voice of reason and facts facts facts. We love your show also
  • Guy Hill 2020 (16/01/2020, 05:46) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    The TRUTH will have a hard time because of OUR present cultural ways here in these VIRGIN ISLANDS. Be Brave.
  • Pick the bean out your eyes before one else (16/01/2020, 10:13) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    You get your own revelation now you want to involved others speak for yourself cause you been doing this blatantly
  • GG (16/01/2020, 23:00) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    Begin the clean up campaign with you and Your deceptive behavior move out from there !!
  • The messenger (16/01/2020, 23:24) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    He's the 1st on the list!!
  • Hmmmm (17/01/2020, 15:52) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    As a youth that has had a few interactions with this guy, I sincerely hope that he takes his advice.


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