Churches urged to help protect the December elections

Ho, Aug. 23, GNA - Mr Kofi Dzamesi, Volta Regional Minister has urged churches to wage a crusade to stem activities likely to disturb the December elections. He said the church should use its huge sway over the people to stop the fanaticism associated with politics in Ghana. Mr. Dzamesi was addressing the 67th Synod of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana on Thursday in Ho under the theme: "Called to serve".

He said security problems created by differences in political opinions, should give way to tolerance that would enhance peace. He stressed that the church needed to be neutral to be in a strong position to counsel its flock.

Regarding the theme, the Regional Minister said leadership in every segment of life must reflect humility to make an impact. He promised to liaise with the District Assemblies to work out some form of support for the Evangelical Presbyterian Church University College (EPUC). He praised Rt. Rev Dr Livingstone Buama, the out-going Moderator of

the Church for his contribution to peace building in the region. Rt. Rev. Dr Buama is the chairman of the Peace Committee that is brokering peace between the people of Alavanyo and Nkonya in the Volta Region.

Rt. Rev. Dr. Buama, in his farewell address listed the provision of quality education, health delivery, environmental protection, rural agriculture extension services, enhancement of marriage and family life, micro-credit scheme, as practical ways in which the church proclaimed the Gospel. He said the synod theme; "Called to serve" was meant to be a wake-up call that can remind us and challenge us to change our posture and disposition towards our vocation and calling." "My key submission is that, if things are not changing as they should, it is because we are not serving as we should," the Moderator stressed. Rt. Rev. Dr. Buama declared, "the kind of service that move things forward or effect a change for the better in the church, the nation and the world at large is not lip-service, but visible, tangible purposeful and sustained service. "We are to excel in serving and not in power struggle and self-aggrandisements." There were fraternal greetings from sister churches in Togo, Germany, branches of the E.P. Church abroad and from the Muslim community. The Synod, which is being attended by 133 accredited delegates, would elect a new Moderator and Synod Clerk to replace the current office holders. Mrs Lydia A. Adajaway, Presbyter Executive on behalf of the E.P. Church Development Agency presented a projector to the church. 23 Aug. 08