POLITICAL LEADERS MUST PREACH UNITY, LOVE (PAGE 17)

Story: George Ernest Asare, Kumasi

The Pastor in charge of St. Mary’s Catholic Parish at South Suntreso, in Kumasi, Rev. Fr. Dominic Asiedu Fosu, has called on Christians to pray for the political leadership to have the spirit of unity and love any time they mounted political platforms.
He reiterated the need for political leaders in the country to preach unity, love and peace during their electioneering as the December general election drew near.
He said by this action, politicians would only make remarks likely to unify the country instead of creating tension among the populace through unguarded comments.
This, he said, would create a conducive atmosphere before, during and after the elections and maintain the peace being enjoyed.
Rev. Fr. Asiedu Fosu made the statement during a sermon to mark Pentecost Day at the parish at South Suntreso last Sunday.
He pointed out that like the disciples who became fearless in propagating the word of God after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, Christians should also be fearless by pointing out the shortcomings of politicians any time they made uncomplimentary remarks likely to spark violence in the country.
“Be fearless in criticising the politicians any time they make remarks that undermine the peace being enjoyed. Be honest and truthful but fearless in pointing out their shortcomings, so that they would be circumspect in their remarks to enhance sustainable peace and unity among the populace”, he stressed.
He said prior to receiving the gift of Holy Spirit, the disciples feared venturing out to preach the Gospel “ but after the gift of the Holy Spirit, they were fearless, and it was such zeal in propagating the Gospel that made it possible for them to win many souls for the Kingdom of God”, he noted.
He said the gift of the Holy Spirit stood for unity, love, truth and peace “and this is what Christians are expected to do anywhere they go”.
“Be fearless in your actions, promote peace and love in your communities and workplaces and honest and truthful in all your transactions, as a sign that you are filled with the Holy Spirit”, he advised
He said it was equally important for Christians to commit themselves to issues and programmes that would accelerate the pace of sustainable socio-economic development in the country.
Rev. Fr. Asiedu Fosu noted that some Christians blessed with unique talents that could enhance accelerated national development failed to put them at the disposals of society because of their selfish interest and advised against that.
He also said it would be wrong for Christians who were the vehicles of love, unity, peace and truth to behave in a way that was likely to create division and hatred among people.
He said it was only when Christians were seen to be promoting peace and unity in society and also being honest and truthful in all their transactions as well as being the vehicles for accelerated national development that the Pentecost Day would be meaningful to them in particular and society in general.