Religion of Monday, 17 March 2008

Source: GNA

Frimpong-Manso calls for unity

Accra, March 17, GNA- Right Reverend Dr. Yaw Frimpong- Manso, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana on Monday asked Ghanaians to use the Easter season to reflect on the Cross of Jesus Christ as a symbol of unity.

"The time has come for all of us to make the Cross unite the many ethnic groups, reconcile the political differences and amend family cracks in our nation", Rt. Rev. Frimpong Manso, said in an Easter message in Accra. Speaking on the theme: "The Cross: A Symbol of Unity, Hope and Reconciliation," he said the Easter period which coincidentally comes a fortnight after the celebration of Ghana's 51's Anniversary celebration was ushering Ghanaians into a new phase of national life. He said there was therefore the need for all to thank God for the mercies and sustaining grace during the jubilee year and to enter the post-jubilee period with hope, bonded together as a people by love and unity.

Rt Rev. Dr Frimpong-Manso also expressed worry about rising ethnic sentiments in various parts of the country, especially Bawku and called for respect for all ethnic groups and reconciliation. On social life, he charged Christian parents to be more responsible to reverse increasing social vices among the youth and advised the media to avoid contents on nudity. "If we say many Ghanaians are Christians, then what we are seeing now does not reflect the message of the Cross and I urge all of us to repent and go back to our first love for the Lord and our neighbours," he added.

The Moderator said Ghanaians must take the cue form what happened in Kenya and called on the Electoral Commission to ensure transparency and full representation of all political parties in decision-making before, during and after the elections.

He further advised all political parties to also accept the truth when the election results were declared. He appealed to the media to be circumspect and to avoid use the ink to aggravate the political tension, saying, "The maligning of political leaders that has already begun must stop". Rt. Rev Dr. Frimpong-Manso further urged all presidential and parliamentary candidates to be reminded of the essence of the Cross and work at making Ghana more united.