Clergyman decries rise in political turmoil in Africa

Kumasi, May 24, GNA - A clergyman has expressed worry about recent political crises, resulting in widespread loss of lives and property in some African countries, including Cote d' Ivoire, Nigeria and Libya.

The Right Reverend Thomas Dibo Elango, Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Cameroon, said the situation was unhelpful to the image of the continent, and appealed to all factions in political conflicts to allow calm to prevail.


Rt. Rev. Elango, who was delivering the sermon at the Episcopal Ordination and Consecration of Rev. Canon Dr Cyril Ben Smith, Suffragan Bishop of the Kumasi Anglican Church, at the Saint Cyprian Cathedral, reminded African leaders that peace and unity were crucial to progress


He also asked them to employ dialogue in settling their political differences and refrain from violence and intimidation. Rt. Rev. Elango condemned alcoholism, prostitution, drug abuse, teenage pregnancy, and sexual promiscuity that results in the spread of HIV/AIDS.


He tasked the church to intensify its evangelism and moral campaign to help transform society.


Rt Rev Elango reminded the clergy that as 93men of God" they were expected to play crucial roles to ensure the growth and development of society.

Most Rev. Dr. Justice Ofei Akrofi, Archbishop and Primate of the Church of Province of West Africa, performed the Ordination and Consecration ceremony.


He said the decision to create the Suffragan Bishop Area of the Kumasi Diocese was to facilitate the expansion, growth and effective Episcopal administration of the church.


Most Rev. Dr. Akrofi challenged the Suffragan Bishop to work hard to help increase the membership of the church.


Rev Canon Dr Ben-Smith, 46, ordained as priest in 1988, and former tutor of the Saint Nicholas Seminary of the Church in Cape Coast, would take charge of Mampong and Kumawu areas.


The Suffragan Bishop said he would work assiduously with God's guidance and support of church to achieve results.