Regional News of Monday, 3 November 2003

Source: GNA

Martin Luther's Day of Reformation held in Kumasi

Kumasi, Nov. 3, GNA- The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kumasi has held this year's Reformation Day with a call for positive change in the attitude of Ghanaians in all spheres of social life.

The day is observed on October 31 every year, to commemorate the occasion on which Martin Luther, the great non-conformist German Catholic priest exposed the corruption creeping into the Church by writing a series of protest statements.

Reverend John Amoah, Area Pastor of the Lutheran Church in Ashanti in a sermon in Kumasi on Sunday, said Martin Luther in his days wanted to reveal the truth in God's word.

He said Luther believed in the sayings of Christ summed up in John 8: 31-32, which says, "If you hold to my teachings, you are really my disciples, then you will know the truth and the truth shall set you free".

"Hence, the great reformist who believed that it is only knowledge of the truth which can bring about a positive change sought to change the world by first translating the Bible from Latin to the language of the people".

Rev Amoah, therefore, added his voice to the Vice President's campaign against indiscipline, the national Anti-HIV/AIDS campaign, rape and sexual promiscuity, which have eaten the moral fabric of the society.

"Unless we stand up by the truth and kick against indiscipline, false prophets and Mallams and 'jujumen', our children will continue to steal and rebel against parents and school authorities", he said.