Mumford (C/R), Dec. 27, GNA - The Apam District Pastor of the Church of Pentecost, Reverend William Ofori-Attah has called on Christians to respect tradition and not to regard them as fetish. Delivering a sermon at a four-day Christmas Convention of the Church at Mumford, Pastor Ofori-Attah noted that Jesus was born in a manger whilst his parents were on the way to Jerusalem to be counted, a tradition of the Jews.

He said the shining example of the parents of Jesus, the mentor of the Christian religion, proved that Christianity cannot be alienated from traditional practices.

"This enjoins us as Christians to participate in activities and programmes initiated by our leaders," the Pastor stated. Pastor Ofori-Attah cautioned Christians against being allowed to be used or using others to create troubles to disturb peace. He said 2008 would be a challenging year as Ghanaians would host the 26th edition of the African Cup of Nations Football Competition and participate in the Presidential and Parliamentary elections. "We must prove to the world that Ghana is a peace-loving nation and that our democratic dispensation has matured".

The Pastor urged Christians to let their star shine anywhere they found themselves, saying Jesus made his star to shine wherever he went or in any situation in which he found himself.

"It is defeatist to resign to fate, we must brighten any corner where we find ourselves for people to see us as a super star". The theme for the Convention was: "Their redeemer is Strong, the Lord of Host is this name".