Dear Editor,

This is an open letter to all leaders in the church of Jesus Christ in the island of Jamaica: bishops, pastors, priests, elders, deacons, and evangelists. 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 of Jamaica yet we are beset with several moral, social, and spiritual problems that are like a recurring decimal. One of the most troublesome features of our country is that despite the presence of churches in our communities, murder and even mass killings and other atrocities are being committed in the precincts of our churches with impunity. This is implying that the Church has had little or no positive impact on the hearts and lives of the people living in these communities. 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, and 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. Here is the evidence:

• Between 2011 and 2024 there were 18,106 murders in Jamaica. This in a country that is not at war.

• In recent times we have seen a rise in mass killings in Jamaica.

• Yet given one and two above, the rate of conviction for murderers is relatively low in our country.

• There is a high level of revenge killings, which lead to even more killings.

• The illegal importation of high-powered weapons on a scale never before seen in Jamaica

• The proliferation of scamming as a means of getting rich

• The fear among our citizens has reached an alarming level. Those who can afford it seek solace behind electronic gates and security cameras while forgetting that our best defence are our neighbours.

• Many neighbourhoods have been placed under curfew by the security forces. This has led 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 deep rural areas as well.

The evidence is quite clear — Jamaica has problems.

As leaders in the church of Jesus Christ, we need to ask ourselves: How can we help our country out of this crisis? According to the management expert, John Maxwell, “Everything rises and falls on leadership.” As church leaders we have to accept some responsibility for the condition of our country. We have to self-examine and ask: Where have I 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? I would like to suggest that we heed God’s injunction as found in the following scripture: “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 church leaders have done what the scripture above requires that we can call the rest of the country to repentance and ask Eternal Father to bless our land.

Carlton C Francis

Elder

carltoncon@gmail.com