The Editor, Sir:

While I do realise the tremendous sense of excitement and pride that Jamaicans feel with the chances to make history at the Beijing Games, I find it comical and a even ironic that churches and church leaders have come out on record mentioning the "fasting and praying" for success at the Games.

While I do not minimise what the success of the athletes will mean to Jamaica and Jamaicans everywhere, there seems to be a misplaced priority with regard to what we are willing to admit we are publicly praying for.

misuse of access

With the murder rate, economy and the moral and social problems that the nation faces, one would think that our church leaders would at least be more forceful in interceding for what really matters.

The Jamaicans may very well mine gold in Beijing, but to think that fasting and praying will move the Almighty to fulfil our selfish desire for our athletes to win is a misuse of the access we have to God.

There are more pressing spiritual issues that our leaders can publicly lead the charge. Fortunately for us, the Apostle Paul was passionately crying out on behalf of the New Testament Church and not for the ancient athletic competition in Athens, Greece.

I am, etc.,

TONY CLARKE

covenantchurch@msn.com

New Haven, Connecticut

Via Go-Jamaica