THE Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has called on heads of Catholic educational institutions to manage Catholic schools in conformity with the Catholic identity and mission.
It, therefore, urged the heads to remain resolute and not feel unduly intimidated by the threat of sanctions from government circles.
This was contained in a statement issued in Accra on March 3,2014 and signed by its President, Most Rev Joseph Osei-Bonsu, who is also the Bishop of Konongo-Mampong.
The statement was in reference to the recent uproar on the use of the hijab by Muslim students in schools.
It expressed concern what they described as “the unwarranted threats of sanction coming from government circles”.
It stated that no citizen in Ghana should allow him/herself to be cowed down by any intimidation or threat of sanction from any individuals.
The statement noted that dialogue was key in dealing with the issue of unregulated religious practices in the schools.
“Dialogue is the key, for in reasoning with others through dialogue, we obtain justice and peace,” it said.
“We join the Christian Council of Ghana in advocating dialogue on the issue at stake,” saying that the Catholic Bishops’ Conference was open to initiating dialogue that would bring consensus, as early as possible, to resolve these issues amicably.
“We believe that the Ghana Peace Council has the capacity to deal with this issue in broad consultation with all stakeholders, especially, religious leaders who own and manage the mission schools,” it said.
The statement, therefore, called on the government and all other persons to refrain from issuing statements or making pronouncements which might not help in finding a peaceful solution to this issue. Read Press Release