Miller served the greater good

The Editor, Sir:

In reacting to the article, 'Rev Al Miller's good move ... finally', I find it troubling that another possibility that may have prompted the actions of the Reverend is not glaring enough to solicit some understanding. Is it not evident that a life may have been saved in the process of Miller's actions?

One of the duties of any self-respecting clergy is the saving of life. Does anyone believe that Coke would not have been summarily executed in an extrajudicial manner had he been discovered by a corrupted segment of the police force who may have had 'orders' not to take him alive? Considering that possibility, where does one take him not knowing what could befall him if he fell into the 'wrong' hands?

Taking him to a police station may have meant the end for the fugitive and the pastor too. We cannot discount the inherent dangers associated with the entire episode, as not many members of the police force can be trusted at this point. What would you do if caught on the horns of the dilemma the pastor was facing?

Can you imagine what it was like for Rev Miller to have got that phone call because of the trust factor he had developed with that segment of society, and to drive to the place where Coke was, pick him up, and to have the most-wanted man in Jamaica in his car? Do you understand the level of confidentiality expected of the clergy, regardless of who the person doing the confiding may be?

Think for a moment of the consternation the man of God must have endured as the options presented themselves. In the light of past experiences, if he took Coke to the nearest police station, who knows what might have transpired. If he took him to the Americans, he would, more likely, live to tell his side of the story, revealing politically unsettling, despicable and awful though it may be. Rev Miller knew the Americans would have to turn him over to the local authorities, but then the police would have to ensure his safety in the interim, leading up to the extradition, as it would have been unexplainable for him to be harmed in their custody at that point.

Rev Miller had a moral duty to act in the interest of the greater good while protecting the rights of the fugitive. The greater good has been served and Coke has been extradited alive.

I think Miller's actions were heroic, even if misinformed, and he should be admonished and discharged by the courts.

I am, etc.,

S. PETER CAMPBELL SR

speterc@aol.com

Havertown PA

USA