Regional News of Thursday, 3 August 2006

Source: GNA

Assemblies of God celebrate 75th anniversary

Bolgatanga, Aug 03, GNA - Mr Boniface Gambila, the Upper East Regional Minister, has called on the Church and the state to build a strong partnership to enhance social, religious and economic development of the nation.

The Minister made the call at the weekend during the 75th anniversary celebration of the Assemblies of God Church in Bolgatanga. "It is important for the Church to provide best ways to conflict resolution, promote peace and reconciliation among the politicians and the general public."

He said there should be s strong relationship between the Church and the government that should transcend beyond all artificial barriers that might divide the nation and plunge it into trouble. Mr Gambila entreated the Church to use the platform to preach against crime, conflicts, illiteracy and HIV/AIDS.

"I have no doubt the ability of our Church leaders to contribute to addressing national issues. I therefore wish to urge you to give it a pride of place by discussing national issues," he said.

The Upper East Regional Superintendent of Assemblies of God, Reverend Lazarus Akaburi, said the Church was one of the fast growing Pentecostal Churches in the Region and in the country, and had also built a lot of schools and other development projects. He added that the Church had also embarked upon numerous educational programmes to combat the HIV/AIDS menace.