Kumasi (Ashanti), 28th June 99 -

Mr Kojo Yankah, Ashanti Regional Minister, on Saturday called for the adoption of "more relevant and culturally acceptable social communication patterns" which have their basis in biblical teachings towards the maintenance of peace and justice in the world.

He explained that the need for such an adoption is dictated by the rapid changes going on in the world on the political, economic and cultural fronts.

Mr Yankah was speaking at the opening of a six-day seminar on "The Social Teachings of the Catholic Church", being organised in Kumasi by the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace from Vatican City in Rome.

In attendance are some 200 participants, including the clergy, the laity, and youth and other groups of the Church drawn from its 15 dioceses in the country.

The Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace deals with people and their needs, aspirations and views.

The regional minister commended the Catholic Church for organising the seminar to share ideas and experiences and explore common opportunities for improved methods for effective social teachings in the Church.

He expressed appreciation to the Church for showing deep concern for social problems confronting the nation, saying it has been very vocal on social issues.

"It has not only criticised where it is necessary; it has also expressed commendations where desirable. But beyond its analysis and criticism of social issues, the (Catholic) church is known to have taken positive and practical steps in contributing to the solution of national problems", he added.

The Most Reverend Francois Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan, President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, said solutions to the challenges and crises facing the world could be achieved through unity and the co-operation of everyone irrespective of their religious or cultural background.

He noted that sometime ago the economies of most developing countries were either linked to capitalism or socialism.

The Most Rev. Thuan observed that all these led to desperation, hopelessness and decline in the status of people and that since the economic sector could not save mankind, the next millennium should pave the way for peace and justice for a congenial atmosphere to be created for development.

Welcoming the participants, the Right Reverend Peter Kwasi Sarpong, Catholic Bishop of Kumasi, said if issues of justice and peace are prevalent, real and urgent anywhere, it is the continent of Africa.

He said the church has to contribute to the process of searching for peace and justice in the country, adding that the Catholic Church has laid down guidelines which, when followed, would put the country on the road to progress and development.