THE EDITOR, Madam:
This is an open letter to all church leaders in Jamaica. The moral and spiritual condition in our country is cause for grave concern and requires deep introspection of ourselves as leaders in the church.
There are churches in every crevice and corner, yet we are beset with several moral, social and spiritual problems. What is troubling is that murders and even mass killings and other atrocities are being committed in the precincts of our churches with impunity. This is implying that churches (its leaders and members) are having little or no positive impact on the people. The scriptures call on us to be “salt and light” in the world.
I am aware that many if not all churches have social outreach programmes in their respective communities. There are those who will say that if it were not for the churches the situation would be much worse. However, if we are going to be honest with ourselves we have to admit that all is not well. Between 2011 and 2024 there were 18,106 murders recorded, and the rate of conviction is relatively low. There has also been a rise in revenge killings. Adding to the problem is the smuggling of high powered weapons. The proliferation of scamming as a means of getting rich is worrisome.
The fear level among people has reached alarming levels. Those who can afford it seek solace behind electronic gates and security cameras while forgetting that our best defence is our neighbour.
Many communities have been placed under curfew. This has lead to some churches having to curtail night meetings. It is important to highlight that these curfews are not just confined to urban areas but are in rural areas as well.
As church leaders, we need to ask ourselves, how can we help our country out of this crisis? As John Maxwell said “That everything rises and falls on leadership”. We have to do personal self-examination and ask where have we failed? This is not the time for pontificating and self righteousness. Lest we forget, the scriptures tell us that “all our righteousness are as filthy rags”.
We need not throw up our hands in despair and say that all is lost, because it is not. Let us also recall that the same scriptures tell us that “righteousness exalts a nation but sin is a reproach to any people”. So as leaders in the church what are we supposed to do? We should heed God’s injunction “If my people (leaders), who are called by my name will humble themselves (confess) and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways then will I hear from heaven and forgive their sins and heal their land”.
It is after we church leaders have done what the scripture requires that we can call the rest of the country to repentance and ask Eternal Father to bless our land.
CARLTON FRANCIS
