Sefwi-Wiawso (W/R), June 11, GNA - Dr Kwame Addo Kufuor, Minister of Defence, has called on churches to be actively involved in brainstorming with government to find solutions to the nation's socio-economic problems, adding that the two institutions have common goals.

He said there was the need for the Church and State to mobilize and commit resources to develop the health and education sectors to raise the standard of living of the people.

Dr Addo Kufuor, who is also Member of Parliament (MP) for Manhyia, was speaking at the ordination and consecration of the Venerable Abraham Kobina Ackah, newly elected Bishop of the Sefwi-Wiawso diocese of the Anglican Church at Sefwi-Wiawso on Saturday. Venerable Ackah, 54, until his elevation, was the Archdeacon of the Sekondi diocese of the Church.

Dr Addo Kufuor implored Christians to adhere to biblical tenets and to be agents of change by upholding truthfulness and honesty in all their endeavours.

He commended the Anglican Church for being resolute towards improving the spiritual and physical development of the poor and needy in the society.

However, he said, the church should liase with Non-Governmental and other Faith-Based Organisations, as well as civil society organizations to campaign against indiscipline in the society. The Most Reverend Dr Justice Offei Akrofi, Archbishop of the Anglican Church of the Province of West Africa, charged the new Bishop to be dedicated to working within the church's constitution. He called on him to perceive his elevation as a significant point in his priesthood as much was expected of him "to feed the flock". Bishop Ackah commended the church for the confidence reposed in him and promised to be dedicated to the church's cause.