Kumasi, Aug 25, GNA - Mr Sampson Kwaku Boafo, the Ashanti Regional Minister, on Thursday said the conduct of some pastors and Christians alike have brought the name of Christ into disrepute. He said as pastors, they should soberly reflect on the sort of reputation they have carved for themselves and the type of testimonies people give about them.

Mr Boafo expressed regret that the proliferation of churches in Ghana seemed to induce crime, immorality, corruption, hatred and greed even among Christians.

He was speaking at the opening of the 10th Pastoral and Leadership Conference organised by the Ghana Chapter of the International Ministerial Council of Great Britain (IMCGB) at Ohwim near Kumasi. The five-day conference being attended by 600 delegates is under the theme, "Ministerial Excellence".

"The truth is that if ministers of God are accused of corruption, hatred, immorality and discontentment, then we have no business preaching the gospel because our flocks will certainly perish". ''Ministerial excellence requires excellent character including kindness, forgiveness, honesty,'' and told them to reflect such qualities as God's ambassadors and positively influence the lives of the congregation.

Bishop Samuel Richard Addae, the Moderator of Ghana Chapter of the IMCGB, said the theme had been chosen to conscientize them and church leaders on the need to live and work above reproach. He stressed the need for them to exhibit excellence in prayer, counselling, evangelism and others to help promote religion in the country.

Bishop Addae advised the pastors to let their teachings; preaching and prophetic utterances heal marriages, emotions and unite the people and the country as a whole rather than dividing the people. 25 Aug 05