Clergyman cites corruption, broken homes as factors contributing to violent crime

By Nakinskie Robinson   

 

The divine word from Pastor Dr. David Henry during the National Leadership Prayer Breakfast on Thursday morning, placed corruption and broken homes at the centre of vicious crimes affecting the country.

 

At the charity and evangelical session, Pastor Henry said the two required immediate attention, especially at a time when rampant criminality persists, and young men are both perpetrators and victims in an unforgiving cycle.

 

"I believe we need to collectively address the plight of our boys, our young men who are growing up fatherless and without proper guidance, discipline and support in our nation. The murderous wickedness in our nation may be traced to broken and dysfunctional families and in particular fatherless homes. Check the stats. And whilst we should support improved moves in policing, we need to also address the root causes contributing to violence and murders. This includes corruption and fatherlessness," he insisted, adding that stakeholders must reach, nurture and empower boys.

 

In a fervent charge, Pastor Henry further challenged stakeholders to properly use the country's resources. 

 

"Can we have bipartisan engagement together with other relevant stakeholders on implementing recommendations made through various task forces and reports? Can business leaders adopt a struggling school? Pursuing righteousness then, we need to be agents of peace, unity, reconciliation. This means and includes proper stewardship, accountability in government, in the allocation and utilisation of our nation's resources," he stressed. 

 

"It means, and we have prayed this, transparency in government spending, fair awarding of contracts. It means sharing and supporting messages of righteousness for national change. Our musicians need to be engaged, our artistes need to be engaged, positive lyricists. Music that depreciates our women, support gun violence and wasteful living should not be supported," the clergyman maintained. 

 

The 45th National Leadership Prayer Breakfast was held under the theme: Righteousness Exalts a Nation closed in quiet reflection, prayer and the National pledge as a symbol of recommitment to the ideals of the country.