Regional News of Saturday, 1 April 2006
Source: GNA
Takoradi, April 01, GNA - Mr Philip Kwesi Nkrumah, Shama-Ahanta East Metropolitan Chief Executive, on Saturday called on Christians to practice values of their faith to create congenial atmosphere for the country's socio-economic development. He made the call at the second graduation of Ghana branch of the Philippine Baptist Theological Seminary at Takoradi. Ten students who had completed Bachelors and Masters degree programmes were presented with certificates. Mr Nkrumah said social vices such as robbery and rape abound in the country because Christians had not allowed Christian values to reflect in their personal lives. He said knowledge imparted to Christians in the church should be fruitful, and make them better Christians to serve God and the country better. Mr Nkrumah said Christian values should enable Christians live together with others as children of God and eliminate social vices. Most Reverend Dr Martin Darko, Catholic Bishop for Sekondi-Takoradi Diocese, said those trained to lead others in the Christian faith and scriptures had the onus duty to embrace life of faith that demanded sacrifices and witnessing instead of preaching for material needs. He said, "Those who handle the word of God must be properly trained in the handling of the sacred scriptures since they deal with the eternal destiny of the individual soul." "We are expected to lead lives that would guide other people." Reverend Alex Omane, Dean of Southern Ghana Bible College of the Assemblies of God Church, cautioned the graduates against preaching messages of prosperity in order to satisfy their pockets. He urged them to preach love, lead holy lives and have unblemished character. 01 April 06