The church can do more!

Given the moral decay, crime and violence affecting Jamaica, has religion failed the country?

Everett Brown: President, Jamaica Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

"No. But going forward, I think the Church should position itself to partner with more NGOs and other faith-based groups to address some of the challenging social ills that face us."

Nigel Coke: Director of communication, public affairs and religious liberty.

"No. Religion has not failed the country. I believe religious bodies and organisations have done a tremendous job in helping the Government and other non-governmental organisations to really take it where it is now. We can do better, and we will do better."

Pastor Dane Fletcher: Director of Youth and Chaplaincy Ministries.

"There is more that can be done, and from where I sit I will seek to lead the youth to more or less rebrand Seventh-day Adventists as a group of persons who care for the total well-being of others."

Dr Lorraine Vernal: Director of Family, Women's and Children's Ministries.

"The answer is no. Collaboration is the way to go, and it means linking with the various entities because we don't have the resources to do everything. But it's linking with the various entities that exists, and facilitating development within communities."

Dr Meric Walker: Executive secretary, Jamaica Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

"I would say no, very strongly. Within our strategic grid, we have the church in the community and we are committed to being very practical in terms of enhancing values that will see to the decline of these atrocities."

Pastor Wenford Henry: Country director, Adventist Development and Relief Agency.

"If it hadn't been for the Church, what would the state of affairs in Jamaica be today? I think the Church has been doing a tremendous job. However we must continue collaborating with various agencies to continue the work."