Religion of Saturday, 8 May 2010

Source: GNA

Methodist Bishop urges churches to form credit unions/welfare schemes

Cape Coast, May 8, GNA - The Bishop of Cape Coast Methodist Diocese, Bishop Nicholas Asane, on Friday called for the formation of credit unions and welfare schemes to support Christians in Churches. He said the products when made available in Churches would enable members to cope with the harsh economic crisis that has engulfed many nations the world round.

Bishop Asane made the call when he officially opened the 49th Synod of the Cape Coast diocese of the Church at the Calvary Methodist Church at Abura in Cape Coast. The five-day synod, which started on Wednesday, May 5, will end on Sunday, May 9 and is under the theme: "Oneness in Christ". Bishop Asane noted that it would be difficult for one to be successful without the help of others.

He stated that the various circuits and societies of the church that have income generating activities should also render accounts to the mother Church to ensure transparency at all times.

Bishop Asane urged the Church to team up with government to help curb indiscipline in the country and also create a conducive environment for investment to enhance economic growth and the spread of the gospel. He urged Church leaders to follow the footsteps of Jesus Christ, a vibrant and a zealous leader, who always allowed His disciples to speak their minds without intimidation.

In a fraternal message, the Bishop of the Cape Coast Evangelical Methodist Church of Christ, Rt. Rev. Daniel Stephens said the theme for the synod was very appropriate because Christ Himself was an advocate of unity. He reiterated the need for a right attitude among Christians and urged them to desist from acts of violence and refrain from acts of unfaithfulness to Christ because it could lead to disunity. For his part, the Ahmadiyya Circuit Minister at Abura, Mr Yakubu Zachariah called for unity among all religious groups.