The Editor, Sir:

On June 19, 2008, I heard the hosts of the Breakfast Club practically gloating over the fact that the Church was unable to dissuade the Government from legalising casino gaming in Jamaica as they commented on the suggestion to tax 'sex workers'.

The role of the Church is not to force anyone to do or not to do anything (while it is unfortunate that some members believe that to be their role). While the Church would hope its hearers would adhere to its instructions, it has no power to MAKE them do anything and should not attempt to MAKE anyone do anything. The Church's role, in this instance, is to make sure that when she sees evil about to be/being perpetrated, she warns against it with genuine fervency so that people may reverse their intentions/actions.

Church's stance

If the people refuse to listen, then the Church can do little else but rejoice in the fact that she made sure that the people know her stance and the TRUTH. "If thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul." (Ezekiel 3:19).

When the Jews were warned by Jeremiah long ago that, based on their refusal to obey God, they would be be taken away to Babylon, they, too, gloated and mocked and persecuted Jeremiah. The record stands that it happened just as Jeremiah said. Those who rejected Jeremiah's warning were not gloating then.

That is the thing with truth. We can deny it, scorn it or trample it as much as we want, but truth will always rise to haunt our consciences.

I am, etc.,

IVY ISAACS-BULGIN

stone5947@yahoo.com