It’s time the church joins in the fight against crime

Jul 18, 2015 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,
Do churches have an obligation to do more to reach youth? Yes, they most certainly do, and should be taking a stronger stand and emitting a louder noise especially in light of the current social climate in Guyana.
The Government can utilize every available crime-fighting agency and entity at their disposal, from near and from afar, but without the inclusion of the church then so much is lost.
Today the present generation of youths and adolescents in Guyana, like those in any other part of the diaspora, look up to entertainers and athletes. However, Guyana in a time not so long past the children looked up to the pastor and the men in the churches. Men that would mentor them, offering moral support while providing morale.
In no way am I saying that men of such calibre do not exist in today’s churches, but time has changed and as such in my humble opinion the church must change also.
Youths are now given a choice to attend church, whereas formerly attendance at church was mandatory while you dwelt under the same roof as your parents or guardian. Everyone went to church, it was not an option. There was no other way, it was the order of the day and as a youth you did not have a say.
If the youths never go to church then the great sermon that would change someone’s life will never be heard. The pastors have been noticeably silent on their plan of action as regards assisting in ridding Guyana of its present scourge – rising crime. Now they must shed this Houdini-type façade, assume their rightful roles and assist in steering the youths away from violence, crime and hopelessness. They must join in the foray.
There has been too steady a mix of youth disaffection, anger, poverty, poor parenting, a lack of godliness and morality combusted into a cocktail of violent acts towards law-abiding citizens.
The black community has always been one that believes strongly in God, parental authority, education, hard work, community self-respect, respect for others and social order. In addition, the influence of the wider society has caused some to lose faith in God. Whether the Guyanese society wants to accept it or not faith and the church play an important part in black life.
These days some parents are afraid to discipline their kids, for fear of being reprimanded by the police, or at best investigated by Children Services. Strange though it may seem, intermingled with the rising crime and violence in Guyana is the camouflaged pain of the young people.
Pastors can no longer play church, for time is no longer on their side. The message to come loud and clear from the pulpit to the Government should be — Have no Fear! We’ll do our Share”.
The church leaders must also ask themselves – How can they encourage more youth into the church, to embrace both the message and the ethos on account of its life-transforming impact. How can they positively impact the lives of disaffected young people? How can they address the nation’s concern about social evils?
Churches are in a position to provide a much needed sense of direction to the youth. And in answer to some of the questions, churches need to spend more resources on youth services that meet the needs of young people both within and outside the church. Are there churches in Guyana that employ full-time youth workers? If so, then they need to be seen and heard.
So hooray now that the church leaders have joined in the foray, let them sound the clarion that with God on their side no criminal can hide. They’ll all be caught and placed where they ought.
Yvonne Sam

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