The Catholic Bishop of Wa, Most Reverend Dr. Paul Bemile, has observed that the low reading culture of church members to have in-depth knowledge of the tenets of Catholic faith was affecting the growth and development of the church.

He said it was the responsibility of every Christian to study the tenets of the catholic faith and more especially leaders of organisations in the Church to know more beyond the ordinary, in order for them to explain the doctrine to others.

Bishop Bemile made the observation in a speech read on his behalf by the Very Reverend Father Cornelius Bayirnoba, Vicar-General of the Wa diocese at the North West Regional Conference of the Knights and Ladies of Marshall in Wa on Saturday.

The conference was on the theme: “Marshallians in Search of Pure Heart and Steadfast Spirit”.

Bishop Bemile urged members of the Catholic faith to emulate the shining examples of Muslims, who devote more of their time in reading the Holy Koran regularly and continually to do same to the Holy Bible.

He said Marshallians were soldiers of Christ and subjects of the Church and they needed to defend the faith from inside and outside aggression and as well influence society in Christ’s lifestyle.

Bishop Bemile urged the Knights and Ladies of Marshall to design comprehensive programmes to suit their faith and propagate it to help attract more people into their fold.

Mr. Emil Aarabapuo, outgoing Regional Grand Knight, called on members of the organisation to open up their hearts and be more committed to the faith despite challenges.**