The Editor, Sir:

The escalation of murders since the start of 2007 has generated much comment on the high crime rate. To me, the theme of most of these comments is to put the blame on the Church.

The majority of murders are committed by men, mostly young. The greater part of church congregations are women; some churches have no men in attendance. Where are they and why don't they attend church with their sons?

The churches should not be made into the scapegoat for the ills of society, as there is a lack of parental guidance particularly by those fathers who never take interest in their children.

Blame should be directed to those mothers and girlfriends who, when their husbands and boyfriends bring in the booty, ask not of its source but accept it with open arms, wash their bloodstained clothes and shelter them from the law. All other entities that thwart the laws and avoid the penalties must share some blame.

It's time for us all to get involved in the churches in our communities. It is people who are the churches, not the wood and stone constructions. Stop blaming the churches.

I am, etc.,

LES FRANCIS

lesmond72@yahoo.com

Hanbury Road, Mandeville