Kumasi May 23, GNA - Monsignor Raphael Owusu Peprah, the Rector of the Saint Peters Basilica, has appealed to appealed to his colleague members of the clergy not to take advantage of their flock and extort money from them. He said it was important priests conducted themselves well and with dignity to save the priesthood from embarrassment.

He expressed discomfort with the way charlatans parading as "Men of God" were swindling unsuspecting members of the society and creating confusion in families through false claims. Monsignor Peprah said this in a homily at the thanksgiving mass to climax the week-long celebration of the 35th anniversary of the St. Peter's Basilica branch of the Christian Mothers' Association in Kumasi.

The Rector said as pastors they should work to bring hope and comfort to those who were suffering but not to cheat them. He urged Christians to be vigilant and refuse to allow themselves to be swayed by strange Bible teachings and false prophecies. He commended the association for its active role and support for the growth and development of the church.

Dame Mrs Augustina Boakye, a former National President of the Association, called on women to help their children to be God-fearing and uphold the values of honesty, humility, modesty and hard work. This was necessary to enable them to grow into responsible adults. Dame Mrs Comfort Boakye-Mensah, the Headmistress of Saint Louis Senior High School, appealed to women to become more assertive and strive for leadership positions in society.