SDA doctrines helping to uphold morality – Minister

Mr Justice Samuel Adjei, Deputy Brong-Ahafo Regional Minister, has lauded the doctrines of the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church, saying it had helped to uphold moral values in society.

He observed that the 27 biblical beliefs and teachings of the SDA had advanced the level of discipline among church members, especially the youth.

Mr Adjei was speaking at a thanksgiving service of the Mid-West Ghana Conference (MGC) of the SDA Church at the weekend, held at the Sunyani Coronation Park on Saturday, to mark its 125th anniversary.

It was on the theme: “Proclaiming and Living the Christian Life”.

Mr Adjei said the high level of discipline within the SDA had been translated into the church’s academic institutions and health facilities across the country and urged other denominations to follow suit.

He said aside the spiritual development and moral transformation of members, churches had to position themselves in a way that they could partner Government effectively to arrest issues of unemployment and moral breakdowns.

Mr Adjei said indiscipline had eaten into the fibre of society because some churches and religious organizations had failed to be responsive enough in the moral upbringing and development of the youth.

This notwithstanding, the deputy minister, however, appreciated the tremendous contributions of churches to national development and entreated them to continue to pray for national peace and social cohesion.

In a sermon, Pastor Dr Kwanin Boakye, Executive Secretary, Ghana Union Conference of the SDA, advised Christians to ensure that their lifestyles attracted people to God.

He reiterated the need for churches and religious organisations to come together to find solutions to the alarming rate of alcoholism, drug abuse, sexual promiscuity and moral decadence in society which is gradually eating into the church.

He said the spiritual transformation of the youth ought to be the ultimate concern of all churches.

Pastor Dr Boakye said the church placed premium on education and that was why it was establishing a College of Education at Agona in the Ashanti Region to augment efforts by Government to train more teachers.

Pastor Daniel Oduro-Sarpong, President of the MGC, said the conference had more than 62,000 members in Brong-Ahafo and some parts of Ashanti, Western and Northern regions.

He said as a human institution, the MGC had its peculiar challenges and entreated members to strive for righteousness and holiness which were the pillars of Christianity.

Okoforobour Nana Dr Yaw Agyei II, Omanhene of Mim Traditional Area, commended the SDA for its contributions to national development and asked it to strengthen its collaboration with development partners for rapid socio-economic development.