Religious leaders must preach against electoral violence – Regional Minister
Mr. Paul Evans Aidoo, Western Regional Minister, has appealed to religious leaders to use the pulpit to preach against electoral violence, use of intemperate language and electoral malpractices which are likely to generate violence.
Mr Aidoo said it is a rational duty of religious leaders to also encourage the people to exercise their constitutional rights by registering to qualify to cast votes during the December elections.
“Churches are, therefore, called upon to encourage their followers to fully participate in the biometric registration exercise and cast their votes during this year’s elections,” he said.
He made the call in an address read for him at the first General Convention of the Diocese of Saints Peter and Paul, the Apostles of the Orthodox Anglican Church of Ghana at Fijai, near Takoradi.
The Convention was under the theme: “Strengthening and Accomplishing the Mission of the Church.”
Mr Aidoo said the time is ripe for religious leaders to be bold and expose the crooks within their fold.
Religious leaders, he said, should also set good examples for their flock to follow while they speak boldly against moral vices in the society.
He said the Church must not be allowed to turn into moneymaking machine to be exploited by unscrupulous “Men of God” to their advantage as it is happening today.
This way, he said, Ministers of the Gospel would have the moral authority to criticize others when they go wayward.
Captain Anthony Cudjoe (rtd), Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Chief Executive, spoke against the dishonorably conduct of some politicians.
He said politicians should serve the people and not to dip their hands into State Coffers.
Capt. Cudjoe urged the Church to pray for politicians who have become corrupt to have a change of heart during the Convention.
The Most Reverend (Dr) Jacob Augustine Welbourne, Archbishop of the Orthodox Anglican Church of Ghana, appealed to the Government to step up the fight against corruption.
He urged the Government to implement the findings and recommendations of the various commissions of enquiry into corrupt transactions.
Most Reverend Welbourne said corruption is stealing and theft and it is seeking “One’s own kingdom and not seeking first the Kingdom of God”.
Nana Kobina Nketsia V, Omanhene of Essikado Traditional Area, who presided, expressed worry about injustices and divisions in the society despite the springing up of many churches.
He said the Churches should play their part to unite the people and remove seeds of discord among them.
Nana Nketsia said the country needs peace to develop and peace would not ensue in the face of inequality, injustices and poverty.
Source: GNA