Members of various groups protesting against the sexual molestation of a 14-year-old girl, in front of the Dayton Avenue Church of God in St. Andrew on Monday. - WINSTON SIL/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
The following are letters com-menting on the reported sexual molestation of a schoolgirl in a van being driven by a church deacon.
How can such behaviour be justified?
THE EDITOR, Sir:
I thought I had heard or seen just about every level of insanity and depravity that the Jamaican society could sink to but I was wrong.
If the story as reported in The Gleaner regarding the founder of the Dayton Avenue Church of God is to be believed, one must wonder if Ms. Kelly is of sound mind.
On what possible basis does this woman justify the behaviour of the hooligans who molested a girl of 14 years?
It is a good thing that some members of her congregation had the good sense to bring the matter to the attention of the media and as a result the matter will now hopefully be dealt with under the laws of the land.
I am, etc.,
P. L. BRASSINGTON
brasspl@yahoo.com
Kingston 6
Something must be wrong with church
THE EDITOR, Sir:
After reading the article pertaining to the molestation of a 14-year-old and the church's response, I am convinced that something must be wrong with the founder of Dayton Avenue Church and some of her followers.
I am etc.,
HEATHER ROBERTSON
heather_robertson2001@yahoo.com
Too many false prophets out there
THE EDITOR, Sir:
I have read the article about the molestation of a 14-year-old schoolgirl in the back of a van being driven by a deacon and the alleged cover-up of this atrocious incident.
The incident is appalling and barbaric. The founder of the church has lashed 'whistle-blowers'.
What is wrong with whistle-blowing, if any whistle-blowing case can be proven as factual? Why should any church have the right to waive the law? Why should the church have immunity from the law?
Jamaica has the most churches per square mile in the world and may be the most rum bars/pubs and also the highest crime rate for any country not at war.
Every church in Jamaica should be registered as a legal entity before any concrete or board structure is erected. There should be a clear code of practice and not the hypnotism of the congregation by some so-called (prophet) claiming to be 'Man of God.'
There are too many false prophets out there who prey upon the innocent, the afflicted and the vulnerable. They should practise what they preach and not hide in the dark.
I am, etc.,
RANKINE GORDON
cfacie@hotmail.com
London
More concerned about reputation than danger
THE EDITOR, Sir:
After reading the article, 'Church founder lashes whistle-blowers', I am extremely outraged by the statement by Ruby Kelly.
This leader is treating this delicate situation as politics. She is so concerned about the reputation of her church that she seems not to understand the real danger here.
A girl is scarred for life and two young boys who are prone to mistakes could pay a heavy price that they will forever remember.
Teenagers like myself are feeling the pain of these individuals and are angry with how adults in this society are dealing with the matter. Jamaica needs to get back to the basics of 'It takes a village to raise a child'.
I am a Christian but I do believe that some members of Dayton Avenue Church of God are hypocrites. The Bible speaks of the just punishment for our actions and I do believe that the law should take its full course.
I am, etc.,
A.W
mario4u_2006@yahoo.com
Sending the wrong message
THE EDITOR, Sir:
The Dayton Avenue Church of God is sending the wrong signals. The incident that took place was very wicked and it does not matter whether a member of the church is involved or not.
The reason is that sexual immorality is sexual immorality. Ruby Kelly, the founder of the church, is saying that the Lord is going to punish the leaker.
However, the Lord will punish the leaker only if the reasons for the leaking were immoral. If the reason was to tear down and not build up, the Lord will punish this person for his or her sin.
Therefore, on that point, Ms. Kelly is right. However, be careful of the messages that you send and do not allow yourselves to be backed into a corner. If the allegations are true then those responsible should face the law.
I am, etc.,
DAMION HESLOP
damionheslop@yahoo.com
Mandeville
