Kumasi: Rt. Rev. Oscar Christian Amoah, the Anglican Bishop of Kumasi, has urged churches to intensify their efforts in instilling Christian values and discipline among young people. This initiative aims to address the rising incidence of social vices within society. He emphasized the importance of moral and character formation in the youth, who represent the future workforce, leadership, and development of the nation.
According to Ghana News Agency, Rt. Rev. Amoah expressed concern over the increasing involvement of young people in social vices such as drug abuse, internet fraud, armed robbery, and other forms of indiscipline. He stressed the need for institutions like the Church to strengthen their role in promoting moral values and discipline to help reverse this trend.
The bishop highlighted that the Church has traditionally served as a moral compass for society by teaching the Bible and Christian doctrines, which educate young people on the significance of upright living and respect for societal norms. These teachings promote virtues such as honesty, humility, obedience, compassion, and self-control, essential for personal growth and societal development.
Mentorship was identified as another crucial role of the Church. Many churches organize youth fellowship meetings, seminars, retreats, and counselling sessions, where experienced leaders guide young people through the challenges of adolescence and early adulthood. Such programs help the youth make informed decisions and avoid behaviors that could jeopardize their future.
Rt. Rev. Amoah emphasized the need for churches to promote discipline through accountability, encouraging young people to participate actively in church activities and uphold high standards of conduct. Accountability helps them develop positive habits and discourages harmful activities.
The bishop urged churches to offer opportunities for the constructive use of leisure time through activities such as choir practice, Bible studies, evangelism, sports, and community service. He observed that the family and the Church share a common responsibility in nurturing disciplined young people, with the family providing the foundation for moral upbringing and the Church reinforcing these values.
He stressed the Church's critical role in addressing contemporary challenges faced by the youth, including social media influence, peer pressure, and exposure to harmful content. Churches can educate young people about the dangers associated with these challenges and equip them with the values needed to make wise decisions without compromising their moral principles.
Additionally, Rt. Rev. Amoah noted that Christian teachings promote respect for lawful authority, peaceful coexistence, and the protection of the rights of others, contributing to social harmony and reducing incidents of violence and misconduct among young people. He encouraged churches to support youth development through educational and skills-training programs, empowering them economically and socially.
The bishop concluded by stressing that collaboration among churches, families, schools, and communities is crucial for building a society characterized by integrity, discipline, and sustainable development.