The Editor, Sir:

We are now confronted with another test which could prove the relevance of the church institutions in Jamaica. A young cop, as a result of his new found purpose with God, confessed that he was a corrupt policeman, and for this he may have to go to prison. Today's paper (January 27, 2008), bears another confession, this time it's from a gunman who declares that policemen and politicians have protected him from jail; a life sentence; even execution.

I urge the church community to fight to guard the confessing cop, and others who confess to similar acts of destruction, because they have failed to follow commandments: - 'Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour', 'Thou shalt not kill', 'Thou shalt not commit adultery' 'Thou shalt have no other gods before me' etc.; all the things that are feeding this crime-ridden society, which has lost its rudder. The Lord is faithful and just to forgive our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness; once we confess. Where are those who follow his example?

Boldly I draw God's sword - St. Matthew 15 vs. 8-9 "These people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips;but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrine the commandments of men."

Vengeance God says is mine. Some would say the justice system is God's hand. One must be punished for sins. Are these and the reticent living in glass houses, and indeed are their hands/souls /hearts/ actions clean in the sight of God. Choose life over death, God says. A dark cell is certainly not life; a clean conscience can enable it.

The Golden Rule upon which all other commandments rest says, "Love God and love your neighbour as yourself", and I'll add the adage "Do onto others as you would have them do onto you." That perhaps is what the confessors cling to. Can our leaders, who wear the cloth and eagerly fight against gambling, and loudly urge for security for Cash Plus clients, defend with blood the cop; chided by his former colleagues; laughed at from the gallery; and labelled insane? Can they shout for God's justice loudly and clearly? Nights in a terrible cell might solicit laughing from him willing to bear his long suffering, but the lesson could be for the rest of us crying for a better Jamaica.

Join me on the picket line, please and protect the little child taught to speak the truth and speak it ever, cost it what it will. Otherwise you may not be chosen for a Jamaica of peace and one love; where equal rights and justice are the order of the day - The drums have already begun to roll.

I am, etc.,

Lois A. Dawes

phylos@n5.com