Axim (W/R) April 27,-GNA-The Right Reverend John Harvey-Ewusi, Bishop of the Sekondi Diocese of the Methodist Church of Ghana, on Thursday said the inability of the Church to increase her membership is due to modernity and high standard of living.

He said the pursuit of higher academic standards coupled with increasing demands of society makes the youth vulnerable and their future unstable.

Bishop Harvey-Ewusi was speaking at the opening of the 45th annual synod of the Church at Axim. The five-day synod is under the theme: "Pressing on to make disciples of all Nations".

Bishop Harvey-Ewusi said unemployment has resulted in boredom among the youth who have resorted to rural-urban migration. He said this had led to increase in social vices, unemployment, inadequate accommodation and malnutrition.

Madam Sophia Horner-Sam, Deputy Western Regional Minister, said increasing social vices, indiscipline in schools, road accidents, and juvenile delinquency must be seriously addressed by the Church. She said the Churches roles as a social partner must be strengthened to enable it speak against environmental sanitation and improper disposal of waste to minimise the outbreak of diseases.

Madam Horner-Sam appealed to the Church to assist its members and society to tolerate divergent views and respect the rights of others. She also appealed to the Churches to help in educating their members to register with the National Health Insurance Scheme.