Mormon gives advice on fighting crime

While mass evangelism in crime-prone communities is not encouraged by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints (Mormons), in response to calls by members of the Spanish Town Ministers Fraternal for churches to get involve in crime prevention, Mormon manager for self-reliance services for the Caribbean area, Leroye Blake, told The Gleaner that people should be coached to make decisions based on good principles that will bring lasting results.

Blake revealed that the Mormon's method of dealing with crime and its effects on nation building is to teach its members how to become devoted members and community builders.

The way to go

"Doing something today that will lead to better results for your children, grandchildren and future generation is the way to go," Blake said.

"We will have to learn these skills and principles in a religious setting. Religion speaks to the moral fibre of mankind; no other system generates that level of order and obedience."

According to him, one of the tools for helping members and none members temporally and spirituality is "my path to self-reliance", defined as your ability to take care of yourself.

Turning to the issue of family values, Blake said, "Husbands and wives have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and their children." He cited Psalm 127:3 as supporting scripture for this observation.

"Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness. Husbands, wives, fathers and mothers will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations," he asserted.

Blake warned that individuals who violate covenants of chastity and who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfil family responsibilities, will one day stand condemned before God.