Bishops calls for cancellation of personal debts

From Mohammed Osman, Kumasi, 23rd August 1999 -

Christians have been called upon to cancel all debts owed by private individuals before entering the next millennium. If this is done in the clear mind of all Christians, it would go a long way in helping people to live a decent life come the year 2000.

Rt. Rev. Charles Palmer-Buckle, Catholic Bishop of Koforidua, made the call while speaking on the theme "A journey Towards the year of Jubilee our way of life" at the convention of the Auxiliary and Knights of the St. John International at the great Hall of UST, Kumasi

The one-week convention was attended by delegates from the ten regions of Ghana to deliberate on how to propagate the Catholic faith in the service of the nation.

Rt. Rev. Palmer-Buckle observed that the third millennium is a year of charity and solidarity and the rich ones should share with the poor ones.

According to the Bishop, the debt cancellation for the next millennium should not only be done at the international level alone, but in all individual homes as well.

"Debts that would put people in the bondage and suffering should be cancelled" he stressed.

He further stated that this call would sound strange to people but he felt that its God wish to get his sons and daughters free from all forms of dehumanising bondage in order that they would also have cause to jubilate in the love and mercy of God, come the year 2000.

He charged every Christian to respect each other and fight for social justice as the right of all to shelter, food and security.

On bribery and corruption in Ghana, Bishop Palmer-Buckle urged the convention to come out with modalities that would combat the twin evils of bribery and corruption.

He therefore hoped that if they are able to eradicate this sinful canker and immoral practice, Ghana shall live a better and more prosperous.