Kumasi, March 27, GNA-The Reverend Dr Yaw Frimpong-Manso, Asante Presbytery Chairman of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, has called on the government to maintain cordial relationship not only with the churches but also the opposition political parties for effective governance. The government should also do everything possible to keep its promises in the areas of fighting corruption, job creation and building a healthy economy.

The Rev Dr Frimpong-Manso was addressing the opening ceremony of the 82nd Presbytery of the Church in Kumasi on Saturday. The five-day conference has the theme: "Come, Let Us Walk In The Light Of The Lord".

It is aimed at discussing ways of moving both the church and the nation forward.

The Asante Presbytery Chairman said the church "as the conscience of society" should continue to dialogue with both government and traditional leaders for better national development.

"We have a duty to help the government to develop a healthy economy and vibrant society", he added.

The Rev Dr Frimpong-Manso spoke of the need to make the gospel impact upon the culture so that many of our traditional values will be transformed".

He noted that there were some knotty issues in the area of marriage, observance of funeral rites, enstoolment of chiefs and rituals that go with it and required more dialogues to bring about changes for enhanced development.

He advised Christians to "live in the light of the Lord and to make people see the difference that coming into the light brings about. 27 March 04