THE role of the church is not only about leading the souls of men to salvation; it must also encompass the ability and right to play a role in the moral direction that a nation ought to take. And in Guyana, especially in the last two decades, the local religious community has been speaking out mostly against such burning social issues as crime, the role of men, and within recent years, on the scourge of domestic violence. Hardly is there a religious crusade, for example, held without the issue of men and their rightful place, especially in the home, a topical discussion. The truth is: men are increasingly failing in their
responsibilities, as can be evidenced by the growing line of single moms, and other serious social deficiencies as a result of this negligence.
Therefore, it is timely that the Seventh Day Adventists, hosted at the Queen’s College auditorium last Saturday, a conference that focused on not only the domestic role of the male, but also about his place in society and the church. This came not long after the interdenominational dialogue that occasioned President Jagdeo requesting that the religious community join in the battle against the scourge of domestic violence.  
Generally men are not seen in the positive and favourable light as their antecedents of old. Too many of modern men are not accepting their responsibilities as father, husband, and head of their individual homes as ought to be. Instead, too many wives/companions etc. are left to carry the daily burdens of providing for the economic well-being of their homes and families.
A brief, daily societal survey would reveal the following: the churches are always filled mostly with women on worship days. Of course, there are many males who attend as individuals or with their families. But that number is still under par when compared to the numbers of unaccompanied wives/companions and families. There is still the traditional scene of the woman carrying the heavy shopping bags; taking the child to and from daycare and to school; taking the baby/child for medical attention; and in many other instances that demand parental presence – it is the female. Men must understand that their role is no longer to “assist” their wives/companions in whatever is to be done domestically, since this description would be seen to suggest a non-obligatory situation. But rather it is their legal/moral obligation, incumbent upon them, to wholly give support to whatever endeavour there is.
How must homes and families admire and respect the pivotal male in their midst when he does not play his mandated role, not as a bully and abuser and convenient shirker of responsibilities, but as one who understands his role as husband, father and provider: someone, who in conjunction with his spouse/companion can offer positive and meaningful leadership to their household?
There are some, especially from a certain cultural group, whose mantra is that their women folk must honour them, as well as propagating the reported biblical scripture that women must obey their husbands. As is so well known, this category and many men in general, prevalently use this scriptural exhortation to suppress and brutalize their women, seeking to harness them in a modern day form of bondage.   
This is a critical debate, especially against the background of the high levels of male violence against their women counterparts, since it influences man’s role in other social spheres, and time does not allow for further points. But be as it may, the writer opines that all denominations, without exception, must introduce this issue, especially in an enlightened manner, whether in their churches, temples, or mosques.
Commendations to the Seventh Day Adventists for such an enlightened and timely approach.