Rawlings Calls For Unity in E.P. Church

Peki-Blengo (Volta Region) 16 Nov., The Evangelical Presbyterian Church Ghana, today celebrated its 150 anniversary, drawing several dignitaries to Peki-Blengo, including presidents Jerry John Rawlings. It was at Peki-Blengo that missionaries from Bremen, Germany, First Established the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in 1847. Thus, today's anniversary church service, which was help on a school park, brought delegations from many countries, including a large delegation from the parent church in Germany. It was pomp and pageantry. Chiefs and Queenmothers graced the occasion, drawing several rounds of applause from the faithful as they danced in their palanquins. "The government and the people of Ghana are grateful for this practical contribution, which has gone hand in with .. Evangelisation" The President appealed to Christians not to limit Christianity to attending church service once a week. He said many people regard church service as a function, to which they go "To see and seen and to demonstrate our status in the community". "Service to our fellow men and women is also service to God. It must permeate our lives whether at home in our workplaces and in our social lives". President Rawlings said He is unhappy that the E.P. Church is still divided. He recalled his speeches last year at the synods of both the E.P. Church, Ghana, calling for reconciliation and healing of wounds. "I am sad to note that this Anniversary has not rpt not been crowned with the full Joy of Unity" President Rawlings said he was hopeful this unity could be achieved. "It is not rpt not for me to judge the matter, but I am convinced that so long a the rift remains, something precious is being lost". The President added: "It will indeed be pleasing to the Lord if all traces of pride and rancour could be put aside, so that in true love, humility and respect, ways can be found to achieve one united evangelical church". The RT. Reverend J.Y. Ledo, moderator of E.P. Church, Ghana, apealed to the government to hand over mission schools to churches. "Many of our former middle schools have been changed to local authority JSS, though they remain on our church premises, we do not have any influence on them". Rev. Ledo said it is through the schools and colleges that the church will have the chance of influencing moral education". He also appealed to the Government to take over the employment of pupil teachers to teach in the former conflict areas of the Northern Region. He said project funding by the Breman Mission and the UNICEF will end at the end of the 1998 academic year. Gri.