The Editor, Sir:
IT MUST sadden the hearts of Falmouthians the world over and all well-thinking Jamaican Christians to have read in The Gleaner of September 12, 2005, of the stolen brass eagle lectern from the St. Peter's Anglican Church in Falmouth.
That 209-year-old lectern is not only of significant historical value, but represents far more to worshippers - it is, after all, God's house that was broken into and the 'stand' from which His book, the Bible, rests and His word read, that was stolen.
This is a far more significant event, although also reprehensible, than tents being removed from a political meeting, or the parliament building being defaced. These items, of course, make the headlines and receive the condemnation, and correctly so, of our leaders.
Although not an Anglican myself, I share the pain of this loss, especially with those who have cared for that church, including my dear mother. It is, indeed, a 'death' in our Christian family.
SPEAK OUT
I call on our leaders (not only political) and the media to make their voices heard in condemnation of this incident as well. After all, perhaps if the earlier break-ins and losses had been publicised and condemned early on, the lectern might not have been taken.
If we lose the sanctity and respect of our churches, what is to become of our society? We must pray for those who committed this evil deed and we must equally raise our voices in condemnation. If our Lord's house cannot be safe in Jamaica, there will be no house, barracks or castle that will be. Enough is enough!
I am, etc.,
COLONEL ALLAN DOUGLAS
Miami, Florida
