National Catholic Laity Council Congress in August

Accra, May 17, GNA - The National Catholic Laity Council - Ghana would hold its 10th National Congress from August 4 to August 7 to deliberate on how to improve family ties and Christian values. The Council, which was established in 1975, engages in promoting and coordinating studies, training and formation of Christian Leadership and organises Laity seminars for its members.

About 1,000 delegates are expected from all over the country to attend the Congress, which would take place at the University of Ghana, Legon, under the theme: "Renewal of Family Apostolate - A shared Responsibility."

Observers are also expected from other African countries and Rome. Mr Augustine T. Azupio, National Chairman of the Council, noted that it was the family that constituted the Church and there was the need to organise the family well to enable the Church to function effectively.

He said there were some families and even spouses, who were not on talking terms, while some husbands neglected their responsibilities and thereby not laying any good foundation for their children.

"It was high time we looked into our family life, corrected the wrong things we've been doing and strive to make it work," he said. Madam Alice Manuel, National Vice Chairman of the Council, said during the Congress the ground would be broken for the construction of a National Lay Formation Centre at Amrahia near Dodowa to serve as a retreat centre for the Council.

She said the Centre would have a library, conference rooms and a residency to accommodate about 500 people at a time. Madam Manuel said there would a dinner dance to climax the Congress, which would also mark their 30th Anniversary. 17 May 05