The Editor, Sir:

The recent presidential election in the PNP has caused me to focus on an issue that has created challenges for many Christians. This issue is that of choice. The book of Genesis in recording the story of the tree of good and evil makes a point about God's gift of choice.

It is this choice, that is, the freedom to decide what one wants to do, that has left the PNP in its present turmoil. This turmoil is created by the reality that when choice is exercised there are always those who find the choice made as unacceptable.

As a priest of the Church, I am duty bound to proclaim that God has given to us this very special gift with its commensurate responsibility. Having accepted this understanding, the point is that I, like all the people of God, cannot just be content to become embroiled in the discussions about the merits or demerits of the decision made by the PNP's delegates.

Religious community

Just to say I agree or disagree with their decision is not going far enough. We who belong to the religious community have a responsibility not just to protect people's right to choice, but to become involved in a process of facilitating those around us in making informed choices.

In so doing, we would be fulfilling our mission to enable persons to experience what is described in Genesis, the book of beginnings, as humanity created in the image and likeness of God.

I am etc

REV EDWARD JENNINGS

edwardjennings629@hotmail.com