The Editor, Sir:

The present corrupt, violent and vulgar condition of Jamaica has many persons asking serious questions in the media (see letters, Betty Ann Blaine (20/2/07), Enid Bennett (Sunday Observer 25/2/07), 'Satan having a field day in most churches' (Letter of the Day, Sunday Gleaner(4/3/07)) about the role of the churches in the Jamaican society and whether the Church can be held responsible and accountable and someone or some organisationneeds to begin to take a very careful look at the churches in Jamaica, as to how "churches" are organised, who they are accountable to, if anyone, and what systems are in place to correct immoral and irreve-rent behaviour by, "these so-called pastors and preachers."

Jamaica, reportedly, has more churches per square mile than any other country and new ones are springing up every day. However the question remains to be answered, are these churches really representative of the "True Church of our Lord and Saviour "Jesus Christ", and how do we go about identifying which churches are real and which ones are bogus and possibly practising witchcraft and all sorts of anancyism?

lack proper oversight

This writer began doing some serious research after a personal encounter with a "female preacher" and began to discover that not only do many churches lack the proper oversight and accountability required to maintain the requisite integrity to protect the faithful from persons or "so- called pastors" who would exploit them, but the very process by which some people are allowed to enter the ministry, are contrary to the word of God.

We need to know if churches that receive tax-exempt status from the Government, can in fact prevent "anyone" from attending a service in a public place so designated and how do we identify "a cult", as compared to a church.

With this type of incongruous biblical reproach being practised, is it any wonder that the nation is in the horrible condition we find it, especially when those in ecclesiastical leadership positions either ignore these improprieties or are ignorant of them.

something seriously wrong

I tell you something is seriously wrong and someone needs to begin to shine a very bright light on these "so-called pastors and churches" as they are polluting the truth and presenting falsehood to the "Body of Christ" and unless they are expunged from our midst they will continue to embarrass and exploit "the real Church."

Recently, I was advised by someone who has done some very careful research on the subject matter that, the wealth contained in "many" of the reservoirs of the "church coffers" in Jamaica is so substantial, that just a few of the traditional churches combined, have sufficient resources (land and money) to take care of all the poor people in this country.

Where is the Jamaican Council of Churches in all of this? Why is the leadership so silent?

Could they be part of the problem? Can they be part of the solution?

Time will tell, because, "everything that is hid, will eventually come to light."

I am, etc.,

MICHAEL C. MOYSTON

jahspeed@hotmail.com

32 Sunset Blvd.

Montego Bay