Inchaban (W/R), Sept. 3, GNA - Mr Joseph B. Aidoo, Western Regional Minister has advised Christians to evolve ways to reverse the negative and divisive tendencies that often arises among their congregations. He said conflicts among church leaders, crime, petty squabbles and general disregard for church authority must be checked to enable the church to serve as the inspiration and trust of society.

Mr Aidoo said these at the opening of a four-day retreat organised by the Western Regional Women's Ministries of the Assemblies of God Church at Inchaban near Takoradi on Friday.

He said while some churches were currently embroiled in legal cases in the civil courts others had refused to forgive one another to enhance peaceful coexistence.

The Regional Minister stressed that division among Christendom was an impediment to evangelisation, church growth and national peace. Mr Aidoo charged church members to reflect on their calling and find amicable solutions to the increasing mistrust among them.

"By this, you will make Christ's gospel acceptable to non-believers while demonstrating peace, unity and brotherliness to the society as a whole".

He commended those Christians who in spite of the current circumstances exhibited honesty, dedication to serve and willingness to live at peace with others.

"This group of Christians gives hope, encouragement, focus and can provide the new breed of Christians that the nation needs," he added. Rev Paul H. Dsane, Western Regional Superintendent of the Church, urged the women to serve as role models for the younger women by teaching them to be submissive, to love their husbands and be faithful in the payment of their tithe and taxes.

He noted that the neglect of these duties would result in the denial of "Gods blessings to his children". Rev Dsane advised them to search the scriptures, pray and act as counsellors for the church.

The Reverend Dorcas Appiah, National Director of the Women's Ministries Division, said a girl's secondary and vocational school initiated by the division would be completed soon. She said so far 200 million cedis had been invested in the projects and urged the women to continue to support them.

Rev Appiah said Christian women must lead exemplary lives and serve as role models in their communities and their homes.

Mrs Cecilia Gyasi Brown, Western Regional President of the Ministries said the retreat was meant to assist the women to discuss spiritual as a well as their physical needs and find appropriate solutions to them. She advised the participants to seek the welfare of their colleagues and the society as a whole.