Dear Editor,

I wish to thank Karyl Walker for the article on the front page of Monday’s Observer, “False Gospel”.

I am so relieved that others are noticing. I have been a Christian all my life from I was a little girl and I am now approaching retirement. For the very first time I feel like I would stop going to church because of the pressure – the money, money business and if you don’t come up to their perceived standard – it is felt that something is wrong with you and you don’t have any faith.

I really feel discouraged sometimes with the amount of emphasis that is placed on money. Sometimes one whole sermon is on money and giving, and I leave church so empty; not a little word of comfort or a prayer for those who came expecting some sort of encouragement. Maybe you should look closer into the emotional pressures which are coming on people brought on by the very people who are supposed to be assisting in relieving human suffering and pressure – money, money, money – and they curse you in the sermons if you are perceived to be not one of the heavy donors.

The recession has affected everyone, but the church has no recognition of this fact. Those who give plenty “colt the game” – they can do whatever they want, treat the other members badly and just get away with it. They are always on the Board and in positions of authority. I am afraid of the church.

Justine Laing

justlaing50@hotmail.com