The Editor, Sir:

Peter Espeut's column 'Undoing Constantine' is timely in light of the initiative by the Government to reintroduce the debate in Parliament relating to a flexi-workweek in Jamaica.

I would like to to make three points in reaction to Peter's comments:

Constantine's declaration making Sunday the official day of worship, stamped with his political authority, in 321 CE (Common Era), was the essence of what a church/state or religio-political alliance is all about.

In the same way that Constantine wanted to honour his new-found faith (Christianity) and his success in battle by elevating Sunday as the official day of rest (worship), it becomes easy for a modern 'Constantine', who may perceive that a particular day of rest/worship poses a hindrance to the country's economic growth and productivity, may decree by political edict mixed with religious zeal and sanction that that particular day be no more observed as such. The implication would then be to see those who insist on rest and worship on that day as dissenters and hindrances to growth and productivity.

One's choice for a day of worship (be it Sunday or Saturday) should be a matter of personal choice based on conscience. To legislate such is totally outside of God's will. Scriptures are replete with instances of religio-political alliances in mandating and legislating individuals, conscience as it relates to worship, and the dangers involved in such actions.

What the Government should do is to put in place laws that seek to protect the individual's religious freedom and at the same time ward against religious bigotry that may impede employers rights and the economic progress of the nation. The concept of a flexi-week can be a great boost to Jamaica's economy if properly thought out and implemented. If not, it may lead to victimisation and confusion in the workplace and plunge our ailing economy further into disarray.

I am, etc.,

DAVE A. MCFARLANE

nerdav@anngel.com.jm

Christiana PO

Manchester