Crime has posed a serious problem for our society in the last few years. Many measures have been implemented, yet the murder rate and the rate of other crimes continue to increase. That is why it is alarming that a Christian woman did not report a crime committed because it was church protocol not to do so.

Last Wednesday's STAR reported that a woman accused of stabbing her husband to death did not report it to the police because of her religious beliefs.

Of course the church plays a role in the society, but how are they upholding morality by encouraging their members to keep their mouths shut when they are being abused or, worse, when they commit a crime?

How can we solve or lessen crimes when a church is promoting silence, while the police are begging people to come forward? It also makes one wonder what other organisations or bodies are promoting a similar approach to serious issues.

The church is a powerful body that can affect the way people view and approach their lives. Hence, it is totally unacceptable for it to promote certain teachings that will encourage silence about serious matters.

Of course the church would like to believe that God will provide the answers to everything, and maybe he will. However, they must recognise that oftentimes the answer is not to sit quietly and wish away a problem, it is to come out and speak the truth and face the consequences for an action.