The Editor, Sir:

The horrible death on Tuesday, January 27, of gospel deejay Kassim 'Moses' Grant and the surrounding circumstances are sad developments for the Jamaican gospel music fraternity and the Christian church islandwide.

As we offer condolences to his wife, mother and other family members, we must also ask ourselves 'why did this happen, and what next'?

Media reports of a murder at the gospel concert Exodus promoted by Moses last year, and recent headlines concerning the marriage break-up of another prominent gospel artiste, and other reported indiscretions of some clergy paint a grim picture of undeniable ugliness in the Church.

Despite years of national prayer breakfasts, assorted prayer vigils, prayer 2000, prayer walks through communities, expensive crusades, television and cable evangelism, evil like the tentacles of an octopus continues to wrap itself around and stranglehold the Jamaican people. News reports and statistics confirm this throughout each year.

To many, it appears the Church in Jamaica is failing in its moral, ethical and spiritual healing responsibilities, while some think its 'old-fashioned' gospel, religious rituals and teachings against abortion, homosexuality, death penalty, gambling and loose sexual relations are irrelevant.

But does the Church really have a strong defence? People do question the sincerity of seemingly politically correct public prayers, prophets who publicly 'prophy-lie' about national and global events, bishops and variously titled leaders with questionable behaviour, or a gospel artiste who 'pop off' shots during a dispute.

Moses' death is another signal for genuine repentance, truth and reconciliation to begin in the Church. There's no time for sugar-coating character, but believers, especially those in the gospel music fraternity, should retreat to sincere, reflection, repentance and prayer.

Among the contentious issues are rampant materialism, sexual immorality, spousal abuse, disrespect for leadership, violent behaviour, hype, lying and deception, competitive spirit, covetousness, underhandedness, disobedience to the word, etc.

For the Mavados, Kartels and gunmen of this country to respond to the gospel of Jesus Christ, they need genuine examples of restored sons (Luke 15:18-24) who have humbled themselves before God, not prodigal sons.

I am , etc.,

DON MCDOWELL

donmcdgodson@yahoo.com

7 Forest Glen,

Kingston 19