Kumasi, Sept 15, GNA-The Anglican Diocese of Kumasi has agreed to train and ordain women into the priesthood. The move forms part of the church's resolve to create more opportunities for women to raise their self-esteem for leadership positions in the church and in the society.

This was contained in a communiqu? issued at the first session of the 12th synod at the Saint Cyprian's Cathedral in Kumasi. The synod had as its theme: "Church Without Walls". The communiqu? called on all to be firm in the condemnation of all forms of violence against women as well as all negative practices that subjugate them. It said the diocese, in conjunction with the Joint Anglican Diocesan Council, was putting up appropriate structures to set up a technical university to complement the efforts of the government towards the development of education.

The communiqu? said the church still maintained its policy on HIV/AIDS and recognises abstinence from pre-marital sex as a way to curb the high prevalence of the disease. It said the church also realised the need to show care and affection to People Living With AIDS and therefore expected its members to extend compassion to them. The communiqu? said the church endorsed the establishment of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and urged all to support it. It said the church recognised the youth as the windows of hope and the future leaders in the family, the church and society and also acknowledged the challenges they go through. The communiqu? therefore called on all stakeholders to help in their upbringing and training to enable them become responsible and disciplined future leaders.