Anglican Diocese marks 40th anniversary
Kumasi, Aug 26, GNA - The Anglican Diocese of Kumasi has marked its 40th anniversary with a call to Christians to work with passion to promote peace and harmony in the society.
Most Reverend Dr. Daniel Yinkah Sarfo, Archbishop of the Internal Province of Ghana, said they also have a responsibility to bring the gospel to more people and to bring comfort and hope, particularly to the youth.
Speaking at a thanksgiving service held at the Saint Cyprian's Cathedral, he said everything must be done to help young people to give their lives to God, overcome indiscipline and other socially reprehensible conduct.
The diocese was created in 1973 and until this time was part of the Accra diocese.
'Forty (40) years as a diocese of mission and growth' was the theme for the anniversary.
Archbishop Yinkah Sarfo, who is also the Diocesan Bishop, said there was every reason to celebrate the important milestone in the face of the tremendous growth over the period.
Their efforts had yielded richness of the fruit of fellowship and growth, he said.
The diocese started with one archdeaconry and with less than 10 clergy but now, has seven archdeaconries and 65 clergy.
They have been engaged in the provision of social services, including the establishment of schools and colleges, hospitals, hostels, retreat centres, orphanages and credit unions.
In a sermon, the Suffragan Bishop of Mampong, Right Rev Dr. Cyril Ben-Smith reminded the congregation to be steadfast and strive to build on the solid foundation laid by the founders, and that, they should rely on God for the spirit to do His work in the ministry.
He asked that they pray for the peace of the nation and to discourage the youth from acts of hooliganism and impunity.
The diocese, posthumously honoured some of the members with citations for outstanding contribution to its development and among them were three Asante Kings, King Prempeh I, Otumfuo Sir Osei Agyeman Prempeh II, and Otumfuo Opoku Ware II.