KINGSTON, Jamaica— The Association of Christian Communicators and Media (ACCM) has called on the Government to immediately lead communities into prayers of repentance even as the nation approaches the season of Lent as a means “to halt the evident decay in law and moral order of the society”.

The association went on to site instances that it claims shows Jamaica’s lack of morality which it believes the nation was built on.

“Recurring news of the abduction of a university student, the brutal rape and murder of a child, the buggery of our boys, suicides, the wanton theft and corruption along with the general breakdown in godliness point to an abandonment of righteous principles on which the Jamaican society was built,” the ACCM said.

The ACCM stated that considering the current levels of crime and violence, a greater destruction of families and communities is imminent, and only a comprehensive change within each individual will create long term success.

“The ACCM notes that the current levels of immorality and disregard for decency will only lead to greater destruction of families and communities which are still the backbone of the nation. Despite the welcome reduction in murders and other crimes, the current trajectory does not indicate that this can be sustained unless there is deliberate and drastic change of minds, hearts and approaches,” the association said in a statement.

It went on to suggest that the government should implement a programme based on family values to assist with rebuilding the lost morals as previous administrations have done.

“We recall that previous administrations across the political divide have attempted to implement a values-based transformation programme for the society. Although these initiatives have had limited success, we believe the time is right for the parliament and government to set up a Commission on national and family values reporting to the people, through their House of Representatives. This commission will become the vehicle, mandated to promote transformational family values throughout the society. The ACCM is willing and available to play a role in this crucial transformational process,” the ACCM said.