Accra, July 24, GNA - The Accra Diocese of the Anglican Church on Saturday received into office 12 newly deacons at a special ordination ceremony performed by the Right Reverend Dr. Justice O Akrofi, Bishop of Accra.

Aged between 29 and 64 years, the 12 beautifully decorated deacons appeared before the Bishop of Accra who led them through a consecration of office as he laid hands on them and prayed for God's blessings and direction for them.

Rt. Rev, Dr, Akrofi later led them through a Declaration of Faith and reminded them of their mandate of service to God and mankind saying, "As deacons you have been called to serve God's Church and work with the members for the purpose and fulfilment of God's kingdom.

"Your duty is to strengthen the sick and weak in the house of God and also to assist your priest under whom you serve. But you may be called upon to perform certain duties as baptism as and when required". Preaching the sermon, Re. Fr. Emmanuel I K Addo, Lecturer at the Trinity Bible College of Accra, told the deacons that they were being ordained at a time when society had found itself in an "integrity crisis" and that they owed it a great duty to lead exemplary lives for others to follow".

He said as chosen instruments of God they should never relent in committing themselves to prayer, knowing the arduous task ahead with its attended temptations adding that, "But when you try to kill the small temptations they will not grow into bigger ones that you will not surmount".

Re. Fr. Addo admonished them to endeavour to practice what they preached and not appear outwardly as saints.

"Do not conform to the dictates of this world anymore by allowing all forms of temptations because your ordination does not insulate you from sin," he cautioned.