Why the intolerance of religion?
Published:Thursday | January 14, 2010 | 12:00 AM
The Editor, Sir:
With regard to R. Howard Thompson's letter, 'Flexi Sabbath', published in The Gleaner on Wednesday, January 13, one has to ask, "Why the religious intolerance?
Why is it that Jamaicans cannot respect the day of worship of their fellow citizens, whether it is Saturday or Sunday?
Basic right
Religious freedom whether one is a Jew, Muslim, Hindu, Christian, etc., is a basic right in any society. One should not have to get into debates about whose religion is right or wrong to justify why they should be allowed to observe his/her religious beliefs.
So many articles are published in the Jamaican media of late, questioning the role of the Church. Yet no one can deny the positive role of the Church in moulding many successful Jamaicans and its continued contribution to nation building.
Very sad
It really is a sad day in Jamaica when its citizens cannot have their worship day of choice respected.
If one should become an atheist, it's not for us to deny that freedom by legislation. We simply must respect each other rights. World (including Jamaican) history is littered with examples of severe wrongs committed when the rights of others were not respected. Let us not make the same mistake.
Have we no respect for our fellow citizens?
I am, etc.,
SHANE MUNROE