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‘The word of God was preached’ despite obstacles – Bishop Cline

- expressed disappointment that he followed protocols & still got arrested
Pastor of the New Life Baptist Church in Duff’s Bottom Tortola, Bishop John I. Cline, says despite the huge ‘misunderstanding’ that resulted in him being arrested for breaking curfew, yesterday Sunday, March 29, 2020, the word of God was still preached and many received the message of the lord. Photo: Facebook
It was after a live video had surfaced on the Facebook page of the NLBS Church, that the Bishop along with three other persons were arrested outside the church facility for braking curfew and taken down to the Police Station by Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) officers for questioning. Photo: VINO/File
It was after a live video had surfaced on the Facebook page of the NLBS Church, that the Bishop along with three other persons were arrested outside the church facility for braking curfew and taken down to the Police Station by Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) officers for questioning. Photo: VINO/File
Bishop John I. Cline during his online sermon on Sunday, March 29, 2020. Photo: Facebook
Bishop John I. Cline during his online sermon on Sunday, March 29, 2020. Photo: Facebook
DUFFS BOTTOM, Tortola, VI- Pastor of the New Life Baptist Church in Duffs Bottom, Tortola, Bishop John I. Cline says despite the huge ‘misunderstanding’ that resulted in him being arrested for breaking curfew, yesterday Sunday, March 29, 2020, the word of God was still preached at the end of the day and many received the message of the Lord.

“What’s important for the people of God to know is that the word of God was preached, that there were over 400 plus people, not including the shares, who received a word from the Lord… who’s spirit needed to be lifted,” he said in a social media video on Sunday.

‘I did what I had to do’ – Bishop Cline

It was after a live video had surfaced on the Facebook page of the New Life Baptist Church that the Bishop was arrested outside the church facility for breaking curfew and taken down to the Road Town Police Station by Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) officers for questioning. 

Bishop Cline, in a subsequent exclusive interview with Virgin Islands News Online, noted that he had applied for permission for three persons to hold the service, explaining that he made the application to the Ministry of Health through the Minister, Hon Carvin Malone (AL); however, it was noted that the Minister did not have the power to grant passes.

According to Bishop Cline, "I did what I had to do, I followed the law, I observed the protocol by applying for the passes, they were indeed granted, but between the Ministry of Health getting word to the police, that they want these passes to be issued… they were not consequent," he said.

The Mr Cline said he was only released as a result of 'showing proof' of his application for the passes and reiterated that it was a misunderstanding.

‘I abided by the law’ – Bishop Cline

“I know that I had went out very passionately and say I don’t believe that the churches needed to be closed and we could have at least been given two hours to have services with a limited amount of persons,” Bishop Cline told Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) when contacted.

He continued, “After that, many persons would know that I regressed from that position, that I was willing to be arrested, that’s what I said… I regressed from that position and said I will abide by the law [and] that is when I submitted the applications for the passes.”

Bishop Cline in a word to his detractors said, “the people who want to rejoice and be glad… I can’t pay them any mind… God bless them anyway.”

In his social media video, Mr Cline was also adamant that the curfew in the Virgin Islands is not as a result of the deadly Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), rather, about 5G technology deployment coming from radioactive balloons hovering over the Caribbean region.

52 Responses to “‘The word of God was preached’ despite obstacles – Bishop Cline ”

  • lord send help (30/03/2020, 11:42) Like (65) Dislike (3) Reply
    Can someone please tell John that we have had enough of him and that he is not who or what we should be focusing on at this time. Do like Jesus. When he was troubled, what would he do?
    He would find a quiet place away from everybody where he would fast, pray and seek God's guidance - not all over the place looking attention.
  • Big Daddy Hurricane (30/03/2020, 11:43) Like (17) Dislike (13) Reply
    Keep hurting y’all head up about this COrOnAvIrUs when hurricane season right around the corner....

    Some of ayo going buckle this year !
    • NAYSAYERS (30/03/2020, 16:04) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
      Stop putting curses on yourself and our nation.

      Some people can only think of the worse and forget death and life is in the power of the tongue.

      We should prepare in everything we do but it is faith, obedience to God, and believing and trusting in God declaring victory is how we should live.
  • Egomaniac (30/03/2020, 11:52) Like (69) Dislike (2) Reply
    The Word of God is at our fingertips in the Bible and online in a vast number of resources.

    He could have streamed from home rather than going in a physical building like he does everything else from trying to prove a point.

    God’s Word is not limited to a building.

    Get off that ego trip you’re on.
    • Mold (30/03/2020, 15:47) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
      He was coming to clean me...oh wait, no be didn't. He just wanted to show the government that he can do as he please
  • My girl (30/03/2020, 11:52) Like (5) Dislike (71) Reply
    You win Cline, let the church say Amen.
  • NOT AN ESSENTIAL WORKER. (30/03/2020, 11:52) Like (69) Dislike (2) Reply
    WHY WAS HE EVEN CONSIDERED FOR A PASS?? He is a bishop, not an essential worker. Stay at home Bishop, people can still worship safely from their own homes- thank you.
    • Really (30/03/2020, 12:25) Like (17) Dislike (9) Reply
      That's a good question, these Christians always feel they above the law.
  • rewrsdffds (30/03/2020, 11:57) Like (25) Dislike (2) Reply
    I cant stand that old bastard. God anointed left you long time cline.
    • Really (30/03/2020, 20:37) Like (4) Dislike (7) Reply
      @ok, You're nothing but a JEALOUS COWARD!!! You shouldn't hide behind the blogs with your FILTH.
  • Clown!!!! (30/03/2020, 12:03) Like (49) Dislike (2) Reply
    Please, please, please GO AWAY!!!!!!! This man and his insatiable appetite for the spot light. Being stuck at home for 5 days is hard enough, but having to see ten articles on this Clown in two days is beyond sickening!
  • Norris Turnbull (30/03/2020, 12:10) Like (13) Dislike (2) Reply
    Was a point to be made the reason for this? No man is above the law. I disagree with Ivan Cline on this action and position. Let's not be complacent in our considered beliefs.
  • Pastors (30/03/2020, 12:14) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    I Wish all Pastors will request a pass to lay hands on the sick in the hospital but know they are busy tryng not to get the Virus. God will lay hands on the sick do that Preachers work for your tittle for once.
  • questions (30/03/2020, 12:21) Like (29) Dislike (1) Reply
    I have two questions that are troubling me about all this:

    1) If Bishop Cline is so convinced that the order to stay inside is due to potential exposure to 5G-related radiation, why would he be willing to expose not only himself, but any of his followers, to it?
    2) Why is Bishop Cline not concerned that his attitude and actions may make him a stumbling block to the very people he says he is so concerned about reaching?

    I honestly don't understand.
    • Concerned (30/03/2020, 12:31) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
      Mad, sick, head nuh good!
    • @Question (30/03/2020, 12:33) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
      Same thing I am asking. Man flip flopping like a pair of flip flopper - all over the place.
      I guess he related to Donald.
  • shantel (30/03/2020, 12:23) Like (1) Dislike (8) Reply
    VINO just trying to control the narrative of all the news to distract us from the real reason we at home, which is not becase of covid 19 that is what they do...
  • give it a rest (30/03/2020, 12:24) Like (6) Dislike (7) Reply
    let start the conversation about reclaiming fishing industry, reclaiming our agriculture industry not to mention reclaiming those lucrative Charter-boat industries: give cline a break at least he was not out breaking unto people business places like some from law enforcement and they never even arrested; but your Own VI Lander same old shit over and over
  • ?? (30/03/2020, 12:35) Like (13) Dislike (4) Reply
    How arrogant can this man be. He defied the law and is now boasting about his actions and making a mockery of the powers that be.
    A number churches streamed their service via Facebook, YouTube radio etc. They pre recorded their services that was well received by viewers and listeners.
    Fellow preachers should weigh in and call him out for his irresponsible behavior.
    What is he telling the law breakers, especially the young people that continue to go around on scooters, that its ok to break the law. I think the Governor and the commissioner of police should revisit what they did yesterday. Charges should be brought against him and his other accomplices.
    So shameful. Trumpism.
    • tretretrete (30/03/2020, 14:18) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
      Guesd the other 8 persons who got locked up for violating curfew were freed as well...#1order or no order
      • @ Hmmmmm (30/03/2020, 15:34) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
        Those in favor ("I")
        what's good for the goose is good for the gander
  • lol (30/03/2020, 12:35) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    Wha wrong with this holy clown, buddy ?????????
  • Eagle Eye (30/03/2020, 12:39) Like (5) Dislike (10) Reply
    If anyone can prove the bible is god word i'll pay their lockdown bills and rent.
    • @ eagle eye (30/03/2020, 13:04) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
      You paying cash up front in United States dollars
    • Slavery (30/03/2020, 14:08) Like (2) Dislike (20) Reply
      If it wasnt for people like Pastor cline we would have still been in slavery...
    • Eye Eagle (30/03/2020, 18:15) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      You sound like Saul. You posed your question to a choice few. Pose it to us who pay Mortgage.
    • wow (01/04/2020, 18:07) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I will prove it after you prove that It is not. And keep yuh money you goin need it soon. Have no shop Balsam Ghut.
  • Online Now (30/03/2020, 12:49) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
    This man is an idiot! A very selfish idiot!
  • Paul-Drake (30/03/2020, 12:52) Like (14) Dislike (1) Reply
    Why is he not understanding that you don't have to be in a church to worship the Lord. It comes from your heart not the place. The church are the PEOPLE, not the building. I don't understand what makes HIM so special that he must be considered for a pass over the other bishops/pastors? self Entitlement, stubbornness and pride is what's holding us back.
  • 14 days (30/03/2020, 13:04) Like (9) Dislike (2) Reply
    Crime Cline should now be isolated in quarantine for 14 days. We can't otherwise trust that he is virus free adn therefore ought not be allowed out. This for the protection of the people of the BVI.
  • too fast (30/03/2020, 14:01) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply

    These news coming so fast cant keep up...

  • Mental Illness (30/03/2020, 14:09) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
    5G technology deployment coming from radioactive balloons hovering over the Caribbean region?
    • tretretrete (30/03/2020, 20:58) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      You know anything about this?
      Do your own research... google Loon Balloons or Floating cell towers.
  • Shameful (30/03/2020, 14:49) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
    He is bringing such shame to his good family, his brothers and sisters who I know really well. Upstanding and professional people. He is looking attention. I feel empathy for him
  • But (30/03/2020, 16:34) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    D mam say he was going to have church even if it is only that was a willful act God for bid d man is a actor not a precher
  • Home Pulpit (30/03/2020, 18:42) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    He could have taken his pulpit home and set it up on his porch and preach on FACE Book just as he did afterwards to attract attention. Looking forward to seeing you next Sunday on Face Book.
  • family friend (30/03/2020, 19:10) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    You could have done the same in online. Set an example and stop being a poppy show bro. People dont look up to you. Encourage them to look up to God.
  • what a thing (30/03/2020, 20:24) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    This man is a Jack-Donkey. He said boldly he was going to do it and he maliciously did it. They should have made him an example. Charge his behind. He thinks he is above the Law. Nonsense. Well they need to WARN others who breach the Curfew to.
  • Opinion (30/03/2020, 20:36) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    He feels entitled and the the Govt. is obligated to him.
    Keep your next House of Assembly meeting in the Sports Complex. it's big enough. Don't have to use Save the which Seed.
  • AOC (30/03/2020, 20:54) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    The man is simply a self righteous clown;a wolf in sheep's clothing, blinded by the light! I wouln't listen to a word that he has to say in a church nor anyplace else for that matter.
  • legal team (30/03/2020, 21:53) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    No church is above the law..
    The law is ["curfew for all"]
    Bishop Cline is a lawless man..
  • Really (30/03/2020, 22:01) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Always above the law
  • Payers (30/03/2020, 22:02) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Let the church say amen.
  • realy (30/03/2020, 23:11) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    You all self righteous sobs like mele too much. Bloging all day Another juicy piece coming up soon.
  • Interesting (30/03/2020, 23:13) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Read this article please:
    https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/days-after-a-funeral-in-a-georgia-town-coronavirus-hit-like-a-bomb/ar-BB11VJoW?ocid=spartandhp
  • JC (31/03/2020, 02:53) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    John Cline your days are numbered... enough is enough.
  • Big Guy (31/03/2020, 09:59) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    https://youtu.be/mrjStSqu_w4
  • Shame Shame (31/03/2020, 10:02) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Nobody should ever go back to that church. He has shown his true colors. This is about health and safety and shame on the Health Minister Mr. Carvin Malone.
  • tom (01/04/2020, 08:31) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Complacency is bliss
  • 2x4 (02/04/2020, 06:21) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The next time we reach I will give you my nick name


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