Dear Sir,
This letter is written regarding the great nudist beach debate currently raging. I wish to voice my views and growing concern regarding the role that religious leaders play in our community.
It appears that a few ‘religious leaders’, in particular, Rev Mike Effanga, have taken the role of representatives of our society at large. This self-imposed role is unwarranted and does not reflect the views of all South Coast citizens. These religious leaders are not politicians and in order to gain a few more popularity points, seem to be casting vitriolic attacks in the press that, quite frankly, are not in keeping with the mandate of religious leaders.
Religious leaders are respected as leaders of certain groups that form the fabric of our society, but they are not the custodians or moral police for everybody. It is not appropriate that a few people become so passionately entrenched in this type of issue simply to gain exposure and have their photos and names splashed across the media.
The type of language used and the accusations made cast a very poor light on the calibre of religious leaders in our area. How can people who are supposedly respected religious figures conduct themselves in a manner that is completely unbecoming of such status. Rude, insulting and inflammatory comments by these leaders in the press and in person are in direct contradiction to the precepts that they preach.
There are greater and more pressing issues that require the input of these leaders. A nudist beach on a remote strip that no-one has ever really visited, is hardly important. The reality is that these are types of inventive ideas required to make our region more attractive to tourists and to create exposure, employment and a much-needed boost to the economy.
These leaders need to tackle issues that are part of the social ills in our society like the scourge of drugs, alcoholism, a lack of education regarding disease and poverty and crime. We hear none of these leaders making waves about these issues, but they will rather find an issue like the nudist beach to make sanctimonious, moralistic pronouncements about.
It is time for these leaders to step up regarding the real issues and not spend time pursuing this type of issue with such vigour. Using your status to demand respect is a far cry from earning respect through hard work, dedication and foresight.
RAVI MACKENJEE
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