The conclusive statements presented by Earl Thames in his article published in The Gleaner of December 20, titled 'Flexi workweek plans: An attack on worship' are constructed on a rather shaky foundation. He claims that at this critical period, when the country is experiencing a "rapid decline in moral values" and high levels of corruption, it is not the time for the Government to be "attacking" worship by legislating a seven-day flexi workweek.

It is understandable that the issue would be a prickly one with the churches and why it would be deemed an attack, since their very existence as individual organisations depend on membership, attendance and donations. The church is, after all, composed of people who contribute to its upkeep, and any move which threatens to reduce their number is akin to a blow to the ecclesiastic solar plexus.

Bedfellows

Like their outcry following announcements of the possibility of Sunday horseracing, this statement seems to be the response to what the officials perceive as a direct threat to their waning influence on society. But should increasing the potential for production in a severely anaemic economy be viewed as an "attack"?

The church has perhaps contributed to upholding moral values in the past, but has long since become the bedfellows of politicians, instead of remaining a part of the checks and balances required for good governance. It has, collectively, shown little sensitivity or understanding regarding the complex social issues that have contributed to the metamorphosis in the nation's values and attitudes, omitting to counter or correct those among its numbers who continue to call for the blood of the hapless juveniles the nation has forced into criminality.

We have also watched the message of senior church officials shift its focus to materialism, which has made it no different from any secular organisation, except that it promises heaven after death.

Thames also states that without a doubt "the highest standards of morals living have been those advocated by the Christian religion", but how does he arrive at this conclusion? He has provided no evidence to corroborate his claim. The "Golden Rule" that forms the basis of most religions was found in the analects of Confucius long before the advent of Christ, and if the history of Christianity is aligned to Judaism, with all its barbarous proclivities and directives, its 'superior moral standards' become questionable. The most bloodthirsty books in the Bible are part of Judaism's divine mosaic. As a matter of fact, it is currently oft repeated that the most religious nations on the planet are sadly emerging as the most vile and corrupt. Thames needs to examine the correlation between religion and morals in light of the corruption index furnished by Transparency International.

Another facet of the church's research should involve looking at other jurisdictions to learn how a flexi-work week can truly benefit both the employee and the employer. The deprivation and misery being experienced by the majority of our citizens will not be rectified merely by the evidence of things unseen, but by feeding the 5,000 by practical means, i.e. providing them with the means to make a living. Until its organisations cease to be self-serving and begin to genuinely care about the welfare of our most needy citizens, the possibility of taking local church officials seriously will remain a remote one. Their reaction to the announcement can be viewed as nothing but a survival tactic.

I am, etc.,

HUNTER GRAY

grayhunter19@yahoo.com