The matter of some clergy holding confidential information learnt during confession, which would be helpful in solving a crime and or preventing one, highlights the fact that the Church should be constantly reflecting on, and changing where necessary, what it believes, practises and teaches.

Should it be that a priest/minister/pastor feels compelled to keep confidential material which may solve, or prevent, a murder, rape, abduction, or any other crime for that matter? What about the rights of the victim(s) or intended victim(s)? Should a family and/or individual be denied justice in the name of upholding the 'right' of a criminal? Are themes such as love, justice and liberation only fancy theological jargon to be used in scholarly religious writing but have no part to play in how we live our everyday lives as Christians?

As the Church, we need to take seriously matters with which the present Jamaica is concerned, and not be boxed in by the elements of old European culture which was transmitted along with the Gospel of Christ.

Constructive dialogue

To be relevant in our present context we need open and constructive dialogue about issues such as women in leadership positions, homosexuality, gambling, capital punishment, abortion and flexi week. Open and constructive dialogue implies the willingness to change. We should not blindly accept as sacred the things which are traditional.

I am, etc.,

GARY GARDINER (Rev)

garyogardiner@yahoo.com

Kingston 3