Dear Editor:
In a recently concluded doctoral dissertation, I explored issues surrounding poverty, injustices and theology. The study focused on congregants and community residents in Region 5. There were 174 participants in total. Here is what I found out:
Biggest Problems in Communities
The top three issues identified by the majority of respondents are “drug use,” “alcoholism,” and “school dropouts.” Congregants and community residents living in poverty are addicted to harmful substances which is contributing to school dropouts. Congregants – 47% stated that drug abuse is a problem; 44% stated that alcoholism is a problem and 39% stated that school dropout is a problem. Community residents – 45% stated that alcoholism is a problem; 35% stated that school dropout is a problem and 34% stated that drug abuse is a problem.
Injustices in Communities
The data shows that the most prominent injustices perceived by the majority of respondents are “poverty,” “corruption,” and “political party discrimination.” Community respondents identified poverty as the most extensive injustice present in the communities of Region 5, with thirty-nine respondents, followed by flooding issues with twenty-five respondents. The literature supports the need to foster solutions to injustices, and promote reconciliatory actions in churches and communities.
Most critical issues to Congregants and Community residents
The charts represent the top three critical issues the respondents and their families faced. The majority of respondents identified “employment,” “education,” and “affordable medical care” as the most pressing concerns. Community respondents chose the lack of employment as a critical issue for the majority of the homes in Region 5 (forty-eight respondents), followed by the lack of education (thirty-five respondents).
The literature reviewed makes a strong case for biblical and theological teachings to help churches and communities address injustices and poverty. Also, the literature illustrates the need for social programs in churches and communities, particularly in high-risk areas of the Region. The injustices, notably shown in the data, encompass issues such as poverty and political discrimination. The survey underscores the need for increased involvement of the local churches in addressing these concerns.
Editor, all denominations and church leadership should be actively (and not passively) involved in the political, economic and social actions of “Dear Land of Guyana”. The next article will feature some additional data and my final article will explain Vision 20/30.
Yours truly,
Dr. Denise Murray
