Takoradi, Jan. 01, GNA - Churches in Sekondi and Takoradi were filled to capacity as hundreds of Christians observed watch-night services to usher in the New Year on Sunday.

The common theme through the sermons by the clergy was on salvation, peace and unity among Christians.

At Our Lady Star of the Sea Cathedral in Takoradi, Most Reverend John Martin Darko, Catholic Bishop of Sekondi-Takoradi Diocese urged the people to work for peace and abandon their own "narrow and parochial wishes" for the common good of mankind.

He urged the people to avoid acts that threatened peace in the country and the world and rather concentrate on selfless building of the country.

Most Rev. Darko noted that greed for power and wealth; cheating, injustices and corruption must be avoided by Christians because they were roots of evil and destruction.

He enjoined Christians to respect and obey laws that favour peace and the rights of other people irrespective of their status, religion, creed or sex.

Most Rev. Darko spoke against vices in society including the use of drugs, armed robbery, bribery and corruption and appealed to Christians to help Government to nip them in the bud.

Rev. Atiemo Aryeh, Minister in charge of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Takoradi, advised Christian parents to inculcate in their children the love of God.

He said it was only when children were brought up in a Christian way that they would be responsible to their nation and the world. At Anaji Estates Christ the King Methodist Church, Very Reverend Edward Ofori Donkor, Superintendent Minister of Effiakuma Circuit of the Church asked Christians to be each others keeper and live in peace at all times.

He said God would shower his blessings on the nation and the people when they lived by the teachings of Jesus Christ.