Tamale, April 4, GNA - The Catholic Archbishop of Tamale, Most Reverend Gregory Kpiebaya, has appealed to Christian students to resolve their grievances peacefully with their authorities instead of resorting to violence and destruction of public property.

He said it was unfortunate that Christian students had been involved in anti-social activities, including armed robbery; drug use and smoking, adding: "Society has become so bad that if one cannot tell lies or steal, then he or she is regarded as a fool".

Archbishop Kpiebaya was launching the programme for the centenary celebration of the Catholic Church, which is to take place next year, at a special mass in Tamale on Sunday.

There were congregations from all the dioceses and parishes in the three Northern regions, as well as representatives from other churches at the ceremony, which was marked with pomp and pageantry. A minute's silence was observed in memory of the late Pope John Paul II, who died on Saturday

Archbishop Kpiebaya said the Catholic Church had a large following in the three Northern regions, with about 300,000 people professing the faith, adding that the Church had made a great impact on the social, economic, cultural and health status of the people.

He mentioned the construction of hospitals, schools and the provision of potable water to the communities as part of the Church's contribution to the socio-economic development of the country.

Mr Adams Mohammed Amin, Deputy Northern Regional Minister in an address, commended the Catholic Church for its assistance in the development of the country and urged it to continue in its noble ideals. He urged Christians to inculcate sound moral values in the youth to make them live responsible lives as future leaders of the country.