Kumasi, June 1, GNA - An appeal has been made to churches not to confine themselves to only the establishment of basic and senior secondary schools, but also venture into the establishment of universities and other tertiary institutions.

Mr Sampson Boafo, Ashanti Regional Minister, said this was crucial in view of the fact that universities in the country were inadequate, and thereby impeding the chances of many qualified students to get admission into them.

He made the appeal at a thanksgiving service of the 31st Anniversary of the Brotherhood Church in Kumasi, on Sunday, held under the theme: "Nation Building and National Integration - The Role of the Church".

The three-day celebration comprised of activities including prayer and fasting, donations to orphanages, clean up exercises, sports and games.

About 4,000 members of the Church from all the branches in the country, Togo, Cote d'Ivoire and Belgium attended. Mr Boafo reminded churches that their contribution to education would make a greater impact when students had passed through their schools to acquire professional and higher education at tertiary institutions.

The Regional Minister said he was disturbed about the spate of immorality and indiscipline in the country in-spite of various interventions and national crusades against the canker. He said it was only divine intervention that could salvage the country from the problem and, therefore, called on churches to devote ample and sustainable time to pray and fast to redeem the country from moral decadence.

Primate S. K. Adofo, Spiritual Head of the Brotherhood Church, stated that it was wrong as well as misleading, for anybody to use Christianity as an excuse for not either saluting the national flag or reciting the pledge.

He said Christianity did not forbid respecting national symbols.