20/08/2026
Restoration Baptist Ministries: Our Position on Illicit Drugs, Accountability, and Pastoral Care
Restoration Baptist Ministries makes its position absolutely clear: we stand firmly and unequivocally against illicit drugs and substance abuse.
This is not a position we have recently adopted, nor is it one we take selectively. We have demonstrated our commitment through action—by establishing and operating a free rehabilitation center for young people struggling with drug abuse, contributing to and participating in protests against substance abuse, and consistently speaking out against the devastating impact of illicit drugs on individuals, families, churches, and our communities.
Our fight against illicit drugs will remain strong, unwavering, uncompromising, and non-negotiable, regardless of who is involved. That includes members of our own family, our church, our friends, our community, or anyone else.
No one should be shielded. No one should be protected. No one should be above accountability. No one should be allowed to use position, influence, relationships, wealth, political connections, religious standing, or family ties as a shield against justice.
We can’t win this fight with a compromised security institution.
If we are serious about winning the war against illicit drugs, then we must be prepared to confront the problem wherever it exists and whoever is involved. We cannot condemn drug abuse when it involves our opponents and remain silent when it involves people within our own circles. That would make our fight hypocritical and undermine the very principles we claim to defend.
And let us be clear: it is too late now for anyone to try to change the narrative. We know a lot. We have seen a lot. We have listened to a lot. We have heard from people on different sides, and we now understand far more than some may think.
The facts, the circumstances, and the experiences shared with us cannot simply be erased, rewritten, or conveniently reshaped to fit a different narrative.
At the same time, this fight must never be used as a political weapon or selectively enforced. It must not be led, manipulated, or compromised by institutions, officials, or security authorities whose impartiality, integrity, or motives are legitimately in question.
The fight against illicit drugs must be based on truth, justice, fairness, due process, and accountability—not political affiliation, personal vendettas, favoritism, intimidation, or selective prosecution.
Restoration Baptist Ministries will continue to stand on the side of what is right, even when it is difficult, unpopular, or personally uncomfortable.
Our position is simple: protect the vulnerable, rehabilitate those who can be restored, hold offenders accountable, and confront the drug crisis without fear or favor.
No sacred cow. No double standard. No selective justice. No rewriting of the truth.
The fight continues—and our commitment remains unwavering.
Our Pastoral Responsibility
The threatening message I received in my inbox last night and the attempt to compromise my WhatsApp account will not stop me from providing pastoral care to all those under my care. I have the evidence of the threat, as well as the recording documenting the attempt to compromise my WhatsApp account.
I will continue to give Former VP Jewel Howard-Taylor pastoral care.
Even though I am not responsible for what each member of my congregation does, regardless of what any of them may have done, it does not erase the fact that I am their pastor. I love every member of my congregation, and I will never leave them or forsake them.
That pastoral care will be extended to everyone—good, bad, and even those considered evil. I was sent to the outcasts of society, not to the “perfect.”
My calling is to minister to people wherever they are, regardless of their past, their circumstances, or how society views them. Neither threats, intimidation, harassment, nor attempts to compromise my accounts will stop me from fulfilling that responsibility.
So please, do not waste your time with threats. They will not intimidate me, silence me, or cause me to abandon those entrusted to my pastoral care.
I will continue to do what I believe God has called me to do—with love, courage, conviction, and without fear.
I will stand for truth.
I will stand for justice.
I will stand against illicit drugs.
I will stand with those who need help.
And I will continue to pastor those God has entrusted to my care—regardless of who they are or what they have done.
This is not just a position I speak about. It is a calling I live.
Bishop Joseph Gardea Johnson, III
