Cape Coast, April 23, GNA - Madam Ama Benyiwa-Doe, Central Regional Minister, on Thursday urged leadership of Churches in the Region to assist in the crusade against illiteracy with the establishment of educational fund to support needy but brilliant pupils and students. In addition, she advised Ministers of the church to lead in the crusade against juvenile delinquency, falling standards of education and irresponsible parenthood when addressing the opening session of the 48th Synod of Cape Coast Diocese of Methodist Church of Ghana at Cape Coast Wesley Methodist Cathedral.

The four-day synod under the theme "The Bible in Christian's Life and Ministry" is being attended by Reverend Ministers, leaders, lay preachers as well as workers in the Church. She noted that education was the tool for development and parents must see the educational needs of their children as paramount to secure them brighter future.

Madam Benyiwa-Doe noted that, although the Region was the cradle of education in the country, the general performance of students in final examinations was "saddening", and it should not depend on its past glory and urged all stakeholders in education to help arrest the situation. On sanitation, she urged the leadership of churches to lad their congregations to undertake periodic clean-up exercises to rid the filth that had engulfed the Region, saying "Cleanliness is next to Godliness". Right Reverend Nicholas Kofi Asane, Bishop of Cape Coast Diocese, speaking on the theme for the synod, said knowing and building good relationship with God and fellow human beings could also ensure success in one's life.

He said Christians should therefore foster good relationships with one another otherwise, the purpose of establishing God's kingdom would be an exercise in futility.

Rt-Rev Asane urged the delegates to come out with measures that would help stem indiscipline in the country by collaborating with government and using the Bible as a doctrinal guide to educate the youth.

Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II, Omanhene of Oguaa Traditional Area, said the theme for the synod was relevant in the present circumstances where teachings of the Bible had been relegated to the background, resulting in deviant behaviour among the youth.

He noted that constant Biblical teachings and traditional guidance could facilitate moral discipline among the youth and stem social vices and pledged the support of the traditional council to help shape the youth for a better future.