Lead crusade against destruction of environment -- Catholic bishop tells Christians, Muslims
The Bishop of the Goaso Diocese of the Catholic Church, Most Rev. Peter Kwaku Atuahene, has called on Christians and Muslims to lead the crusade against the wanton destruction of the environment.
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He explained that with the large number of Christians and Muslims in the country, leading the crusade would surely ensure that the nation would be able to safeguard the environment.
Most Rev. Atuahene wondered why under the watch of government officials in the various regional, metropolitan municipal and district assemblies, people continued to destroy water bodies and farmlands with impunity through illegal mining activities but nobody seemed to care about the situation.
Most Rev. Atuahene was preaching the homily to climax the ninth national Sacred Heart of Jesus congress held at Mampong in the Konongo-Mampong Diocese of the Catholic Church in the Ashanti Region last Friday.
The congress which was on the theme: “Committing the family to the mercy of God through the Sacred Heart of Jesus”, brought together more than 20,000 Catholics from all the 20 dioceses of the church in the country.
Also in attendance were all Catholic Bishops in the country, as well as the Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, Most Rev. Jean-Marie Speich, and delegates from other African Countries.
Most Rev. Atuahene explained that with good protection for the environment, the supply of fresh air, water, food, and other natural resources would be enhanced for the benefit of mankind and urged all to work together to check the degradation of farmlands and water bodies in the country.
Pope Francis
In a message delivered on his behalf by the Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, Most Rev. Jean-Marie Speich, Pope Francis commended the Sacred Heart of Jesus for the theme chosen for the congress and urged Christians to value marriage and the family and preserve them in love by the virtues of generosity, commitment, fidelity and patience.
“In your disappointing days and desperation modes, do not give up but continue to be hopeful in the Lord at all times and avoid spending time on unnecessary things that take up our lives at all times,” Pope Francis said.
He charged Christians to have faith and inspire others too to grow in faith so that they would be able to have good relationship with the Lord.
Pope Francis charged families to develop the habit of praying together daily to bond with God and also create a good platform to share the word of God.
Respect and forgive
The National President of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Togbe Atsuvi Srem I, reminded Christians to respect and forgive one another and also acknowledge their sins and pray to God for forgiveness.
He hinted that the group would soon embark on a massive campaign to educate people on the need to treat the environment with care, since mankind depended on the earth for everything.
The president said the Sacred Heart of Jesus recently met the Catholic Parliamentary caucus and urged them to ensure that there was peace before, during and after the December 7 general election.