The Editor, Sir:

I write in response to Kadene Porter's column, 'The just shall arm themselves', published on February 9. Every Jamaican has the right to protect himself or herself under the current crime wave, and churchfolk no less. My perspective is not that God has changed his mind and faith is no longer essential; it is, rather, that these church leaders no longer see themselves as just, so the scripture on faith no longer applies to them.

The church is under some serious pressure and some leaders seem to be growing bankrupt. First it was the funds invested and gone bust in forex schemes, then its take on hanging, where one pastor said he would gladly perform the executions himself, and now this denial of a basic Christian requirement.

It is clear these men have wandered off track. But shouldn't the other leaders in the church show them their errors and point them back in the right direction?

I am, etc.,

MARIE T

Suzette Temple

suzettetemple@gmail.com