Stop having negative perceptions about politicians – Clergyman tells Ghanaians
The Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, Most Reverend Leon B. Kalenga, has urged Ghanaians to do away with cynicism about politics, politicians and people in national administration.
He said authority comes from God therefore “we should rather pray for those in Government for God’s wisdom to administer the nation successful”.
Most Rev. Kalenga made these remarks at the opening of the Plenary Assembly of Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference held in Takoradi on Monday under the theme: “Good Governance for Peace”.
He said politicians, civil servants, traditional authorities, the media and all stakeholders must work in harmony and unity to ensure an accelerated national development instead of accusation upon counter accusation that did not help to build a harmonious nation.
He said the country needed leadership with vision and action and asked those in authority to use the power they have acquired to create an enabling environment to improve the welfare of the people and not their for selfish gain.
The Apostolic Nuncio charged all Catholic faithful in the country to live in peace with other religious denominations to promote peace and unity.
He commended Muslims for successful celebration of Edul-Adha, Festival of Sacrifice, and adding, while the Muslims prayed for peace of the nation during the festival, Christians also prayed for peace of the nation at the various Church services.
“This clearly shows that both Christians and Muslims believe in peace therefore there is no need for any strife or misunderstanding between us and let us work in harmony because we believe in one God”, Most Rev. Kalenga added.
The Apostolic Nuncio entreated the Bishops to be patient and listen to the concerns of the congregation saying “show strong leadership and show the people the way”.
Touching on the topical homosexual issue, Most Rev. Kalenga, said the act of homosexuality is against our culture as Africans and it must be condemned.
He therefore charged the clergy to teach and explain to the congregation the biblical doctrines denouncing the act so that people did not fall into the practice blindly.
“This is the time as bishops you must give spiritual food to the people and give answers to issues concerning homosexuality. Walk under the light of our Lord Jesus Christ for peace and prosperity,” he pointed out.
He entreated the congregation to be obedient and show affection towards clergy for God’s blessings.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Bishop of Sekondi-Takoradi Catholic Diocese, Most Rev. John Martin Darko, the host of the Bishops’ conference, indicated that the diocese had 30 parishes, 141 priests, six missionaries with 398,883 Catholic faithful in the Region.
He said the Diocese had been offering guidance and spiritual strength through church activities to the members adding, the whole aim Christian life is to be a Spirit-bearer and live in the Spirit of God.
“Be aware of the common destiny that we share in the Lord, and cooperate within the boundaries of our commitment and shared responsibilities in support of one another as the Lord has allocated to each one of us ,“he stressed.
There were fraternal messages from the Local Council of Churches, NUGDPA, Diocesan Laity Council, Chief Imam and Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission.
Source: GNA