Rationalisation of wrongdoing must be condemned - Horner-Sam

Effiakuma (W/R) May 6,GNA- Madam Sophia Horner-Sam, Deputy Western Regional Minister, has observed that the increasing cases of armed robbery and other sophisticated crimes in society should not result in the state of hopelessness, since God has the power to deliver his children from the jaws of sin.

She said society must also not condone and connive crime imposed on humanity by science and technology.

"When you encounter frustrating moments, always remember that God is with you to the end", she assured Ghanaians when she opened the 44th annual synod of the Sekondi Diocese of the Methodist Church at Effiakuma on Thursday.

Madam Horner-Sam said although the challenges facing the nation were tough, Christians must not give up hope but must rather renew their faith in God and continually pray for the peace of the nation. The synod which the second highest decision making body of the church is being attended by 120 delegates and 20 observers on the theme: "170 Years of Methodism in Ghana: Fulfilling Our God Given Obligation". Madam Horner-Sam commended the church for its contributions towards the growth of the nation particularly in the provision of educational, health and other development facilities.

The Right Reverend John Harvey-Ewusi, Bishop of the Sekondi Diocese asked the delegates not to focus only on the spiritual salvation of its members but must also include their social, economic, and physical well-being.

He said Methodists and Christians as a whole should not ignore the marginalized, hungry, sick and needy in society adding, "We need to make life better for the marginalized and to show proper care to all people".

Rev. Harvey-Ewusi urged the churches to invest in viable income generating ventures to create employment opportunities for the youth. He said the church would soon begin a music school to train members of the congregation.

Rev. Harvey-Ewusi said the Diocese was providing health facilities for Gwira and Eshiem communities.

In a message read on his behalf, the Most Rev. Dr. Robert Aboagye-Mensah, Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church called on Christians to support the sick, the needy and afflicted in society. He said the training of all Methodists should be the duty of the local societies and efforts must be made to intensify the churches evangelism programme.

Rev. Aboagye-Mensah said the rate of growth of the church was not encouraging, therefore every member must make soul winning a priority.