THE EDITOR, Sir:
I DO WONDER when the Church is going to use its influence, akin to its no-nonsense approach in the 1970s, when its existence was threatened by the 'perceived' emergence of communism under the Michael Manley-led PNP administration. The church's current impotence would appear to the desperate citizenry that the Jamaican church only acts when the institution is threatened, or, it only speaks out on certain 'sexy' national issues, such as casino gambling, nude weddings, skimpy clothing, abortion and homosexuality.
But, doesn't the sacredness of, and the right to life far exceed any of those issues? Isn't the salvation of the soul of man the central theme of the church's mission?
ARE CHRISTIANS AWARE OF CRIME
I often wonder if any of these murders were witnessed by Christians who lived in the killing fields of Jamaica. I also wondered if some of the murderers and drug dealers are children, brothers, uncles, fathers, employers and boyfriends of confessing Christians and if these Christians are beneficiaries of their crimes and knowledgeable of their involvement in crimes. How many of the victims were from the ranks of the fatherless, homeless, widowed, illiterate and impoverished?
The Bible advised that these are the people whom the church was commissioned to serve, deliver and protect. How many more will have to suffer, how many more will have to die before the church is awakened to its greater calling? How can the church allow so much blood to be shed before it inspires and mobilises its members to effect real meaningful and lasting change in the Jamaican society? For too long the church has spent so much time pointing to the sins of others, but when will it respond to those other fingers pointing to it?
SOCIETAL TRANSFORMATION NECESSARY
What is needed in Jamaica is a transformation of our society to one where justice, forgiveness, kindness and peace flow like a mighty stream; where politicians will serve with integrity and accountability to the Jamaican citizenry; and where owners of capital invest in the communities that support their businesses. The Christian church is intended to be the conscience of the nation.
I am, etc.,
DELROY SCARLETT
dhsscarlett@yahoo.com
St. Andrew
Via Go-Jamaica
