Dear Editor,

Kingston Mayor Desmond McKenzie’s reference to the church as among the most pervasive of offenders derelict in their duty to submit building plans and meet their other obligations to the municipality has again brought into question the integrity of the church and consequently its social bearing.

The point here is not elaborate or divine, but fundamental. Consistent with the prevailing view, the church is supposed to be the quintessence of morality; the least it should therefore do is fulfil its obligations to the state. When the justice, political and social fraternity are “embellished” by the scourge of corruption, tardiness and disobedience, traditionally it is the church which would function as the final bastion of morality – the voice of virtue – because it is they whose action should normally most supplement their utterances. Is it that the church has rediscovered itself and holds a view of its social and spiritual function alternate to the above? If the church played its role as purveyors of the precepts of integrity, obedience and forthrightness with aplomb, it would be to the credit of society. They should be so reminded, only then will we be able to depend upon them to call our political and corporate leaders to account when we feel our trust has been betrayed.

Unfortunately, the church in Jamaica has not functioned in this virtuous outspoken way and it is they who often betray our trust. It is therefore recommended that the Jamaica Council of Churches and individual church leaders reassess its social function and that of its subjects, and in so doing realise that the reverence felt towards the church as a hallowed tabernacle of virtue is fast on the decline.

It should not be that the church has been silent on a plethora of issues of national import, yet its first major utterance yields fervent controversy and what in some quarters is viewed as “confirmative jabs” at its dwindled moral fibre. I make veiled reference to the Reverend Al Miller’s recent pronouncements regarding a matter in the current affairs domain which has resulted in further division and stabs at the church’s “moral intent”.

With the object of compliance with the law of the land to which we are all bound foremost

(whether we claim a higher spiritual complex or not), the mayor might want to remind the church fraternity of Mark 12:17: “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” I also draw reference to Isaiah 1:19: “If you are willing and obedient, only then will you eat the good of the land.” To the church and its leaders, know thyself.

AB Fitz-Henley

abkafitzhenley@yahoo.com