Accra, May 1, GNA - The Reverend Emeritus Professor John Pobee, Vicar General of the Anglican Diocese of Accra, on Saturday advised men in the Clergy to respect the role women played in the ministering of the Gospel. "We live in an inclusive community where women should be seen as partners in ministering the Gospel and allow Christian principles of fairness and justice to prevail", he said. Rev. Pobee gave the advice when delivering the sermon at the ordination of three women as Deacons of the Province of West Africa, Anglican Diocese of Accra.

They were Mrs Stella Angela Bentsi Enchil, Director of Lexconsult Company, Ms Susanna Naana Ackun, Office Administrator, Environmental Control Programme, and Mrs Alberta Kennies Addo, Head of Follow Ups and Benefits, Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT). Rev. Pobee said it was only through unity and love for each other that the servants of God would be respected and their work appreciated. "You need to work together in unity and stop finding faults with each other and quarrelling on petty issues", he said and advised the ordained deacons not to lose focus or slacken spiritually.

"As a priest, you need not to be afraid because you are in-charge of God's flock, therefore, if you do not have faith in the Lord and let fear overcome you, it is a great disservice to God", he said. Rev. Pobee advised them to refrain from acts that would tarnish their image and calling, saying: "You should refrain from dipping your hands into the coffers of the Church, having intimate relationships with other people's husbands and fighting back against people who offend you". He urged them to wait upon the Lord during trying times since Jesus had authority over all evil powers. The Most Reverend Dr Justice Akrofi, Archbishop of Accra Diocese, decorated the ordained deacons with a robe and presented them with bibles which served as their instruments of office. Each received a stole and dalmatic to complete the investiture. He advised the deacons to work hard to win more souls for Jesus Christ.

Mrs Enchil on behalf of her colleagues gave the assurance that they would work diligently and serve as role models for the Church.