Religion of Friday, 26 December 2014

Source: GNA

Secularism killing Ghanaians – Anglican Priest

Very Reverend Emmanuel Entsi- Williams, Dean of Christ Church Anglican Cathedral, Cape Coast, has observed that secularism, which he explained as the inclination to worldly things was rife and killing Ghanaians.

He said many people had conformed to the standards of the world instead of depending on God, thinking the world can save them but they were still in their woes adding that “no one can save us except God”.

Very Rev. Entsi- Williams made the observation in his Christmas message in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in his office on Wednesday.

He urged Ghanaians especially leaders to rely on the power and wisdom of God for direction and also play their individual roles very well for 2015 to be a year of blessings.

Rev. Entsi-Williams noted that the simplicity of the birth of Jesus was an indication that he was a humble, gentle, modest and simple person and therefore advised Christians to take cues from His exemplary life as well as exhibit love to each other.

He also advised Christians to make Christ the focus of the Christmas and New Year celebrations instead of engaging in indecent activities which did not reflect the personality of the “ Lord and Savior” being celebrated.

The Dean, urged Ghanaians to stop unhealthy partisan politics with its attendant polarisation, unite, live peacefully and work towards the development of the nation.

Very Reverend Father Joseph Ernest Arthur, the Cathedral Administrator of the Saint Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Cape Coast said Christmas was a period of love, peace and understanding and therefore admonished all Christians to live in peace and harmony with one another.

He said it was not the new cloths, drinks, parties and the gifts that made Christmas enjoyable but the fact that one was alive and advised Christians to depend on God and hope for the best in the New Year.

Very Rev. Fr. Arthur, who is also the Chairman of the Cape Coast Council of Local Churches, described the economic hardship in the country as a temporal situation and urged Ghanaians not to lose hope but pray to God to change the country’s fortunes.

He advised Ghanaians to shun the immoral activities that had been associated with Christmas celebration and called on all to control their tempers during this festive period to avoid trouble.

For his part, Very Rev. Richardson Aboagye Andam, the Superintendent Minister of the Methodist Church, Cape Coast Circuit, also advised Ghanaians not to take undue advantage of the Christmas to make a mess of their lives by indulging in immoral acts.

He said Ghanaians must learn to forgive, shun evil, give alms, and live in harmony with one another and to live a Christ-like life as a sign of appreciation to God for his love, grace and mercies throughout the year.