Churches urged to modify Valentine celebration

Effiakuma (W/R) Feb. 13, GNA - The Very Reverend Daniel De-graft Brace, Superintendent Minister of the Effiakuma Circuit of the Methodist Church near Takoradi, has urged Christian churches to adopt and modify the Valentine Day celebrations to suit the ideals for which Saint Valentine stood.

He said the day, which falls on February 14 each year could be dedicated to the elderly, the sick and the needy in the society, while the youth could also be encouraged to provide voluntary social services to their communities to mark the day.

Rev. Brace who made the suggestion at the quarterly meeting of the church on Thursday said special gospel rock shows family re-unions and sharing of experiences could be included in the activities to make it more practical to the needs of the larger society.

He said St. Valentine stood for goodness and love and did everything to promote happiness among the deprived, sick and disabled in the society.

Rev. Brace decried the present commercialisation of the day and condemned in no uncertain terms "The use of flowers, cards and teddy bears to demonstrate love", adding that, such forms of love are foreign to the Ghanaian culture.

"Love must be genuine and be made attractive to the needs of the disadvantaged in society."

Rev. Brace advised Christians to let their biblical principles guide them and avoid acts that could endanger their future and health. Members of the meeting supported the idea and appealed to all churches within the country not to sit unconcerned but be pro-active in reversing the present trend of celebrating the event.