Saltpond, Oct 22, GNA - The clergy at Saltpond have appealed to political parties to impress upon members of their Keep Fit Clubs to desist from jogging on Sunday mornings.

They told a meeting with Mr Stephen Asamoah-Boateng, Member of Parliament for Mfantseman West, that jogging and other keep fit activities disrupt church activities.

Pastor John Cobbina of the Holy Spirit Fire, who raised the point and was supported by all the 24 pastors who attended the meeting, said though they acknowledged the importance of exercise, they must not be done at the expense of their spiritual development.

The meeting was convened by Mr Asamoah-Boateng to interact with the clergy on how to ensure peace before, during and after December poll. The clergy also expressed concern about the Sunday market at Saltpond.

Rev Ato Wilson of the Methodist Church appealed to the Mfantseman Municipal Assembly to change the market day from Sunday to another day to enable the traders to get time to worship their Maker. Mr Asamoah-Boateng, Minister of Information and National Orientation, appealed to the clergy to remain neutral to enable them to act as a unifying body.

He said their congregations were made up of people from different political parties and that as soon as they openly identified themselves with a particular party they lost respect of members from the other parties.

"Let the Bible be at the centre stage, but not a political party," the Minister said.

Mr Asamoah-Boateng said though the government was in full control of the security of the country, prayers were also necessary and urged the clergy not only to embark on prayer crusades but also to educate their congregations to maintain peace.

The meeting agreed to set aside three days for fasting and praying for peaceful elections.