Kumasi, Jan. 28, GNA - The Right-Reverend Kow Bosomefi Egyir, Administrative Bishop of the Methodist Church of Ghana, has cautioned political leaders and supporters against the use of violent and abusive language on their opponents when they mount platforms during election campaigns since that would destroy the strides the country had made in establishing peace and stability.

He also advised against the politicization of national issues, saying, "we should not allow such practices to get the better part of us. Rather we should let our criticisms encourage and not to discourage in order to build a solid foundation for the development of the nation". Rt Rev Egyir was preaching at a service to induct national officers of the Methodist Church Guild (Lay Ministries Division) at the Mount Horeb Methodist Church at Ahodwo in Kumasi on Sunday. At the ceremony, Council of Patrons and Elders of the Guild including Nana Wiafe Akenten III, Offinsohene, were also inducted. The Administrative Bishop said everyone had the right to join any political party of his choice and therefore care should be taken not to allow that to divide families, the church and the country as a whole. Bishop Egyir urged Christians to continue to pray to ensure incident-free campaigns towards the December general elections. He tasked the officers and members of the Guild to map out strategies to achieve their goals in winning more souls for Christ. Mr Enoch Baah, National President, said the Guild had targeted the Northern Ghana Diocese of the Church as its main evangelism hub for the next four years.

He said eight more societies would be opened to strengthen the existing ones to win about 1,000 members to the Church in the Northern Diocese.

Mr Baah said intensive training programmes had been put in place at society, circuit and diocesan levels to empower members to become effective leaders in the Church and anywhere they might find themselves. Other executive members were Mr G S Owusu-Ansah, vice-president, Mr Anthony Ato Prah, secretary, Nana Adjei Yentumi Mensah, financial secretary and Madam Patience Ameyaa Sam, treasurer. 28 Jan. 08