The lead story in the last WEEKEND STAR made for very interesting reading.

The story explored the operations of the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God, and raised questions about the church's focus on sacrifice. According to the story, the making of sacrifices in order to be blessed is an issue that is stressed in the Universal Church, and in many cases, the sacrifice that is spoken of, is financial.

As one minister quoted in the story outlined, sacrifice is mentioned in most churches, but a problem arises when too much emphasis is placed on a financial sacrifice. The Universal Church has been embroiled in controversy since its doors were first opened, but it has managed to survive several probes in several different countries.

To those who are faithful believers in the doctrines of the church, these stories and probes are merely attempts to persecute them. The church has done a very good job of convincing them that all problems can be solved with sacrifice and faith and the followers, who are mainly people of a lower-middle class back-ground, will not forfeit their beliefs any time soon.

Though we would not want to wrongly accuse anyone, at least two pastors agree that the activities of the church are questionable. And though it is not our place to tell people who or what to believe in, we do have a duty to provide people with information, so they can make intelligent decisions.