Make Love Pillar to Children Upbringing, Says Cleric
By David Okpala/Stella Okpala
The Bishop, Diocese of Aguata, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Rt Rev Samuel Ezeofor has called on fathers to build children upbringing within love for better society.
He made the call while delivering sermon in a service to commemorate the International Fathers Day, at St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Akpo, in Aguata LGA, on June 16.
The Prelate who spoke through the Vicar, St Peter’s Anglican Church, Akpo, Rev. Canon Henry Durunna said, “as fathers, we are pillars of our various homes, by extension, the Church. So, we cannot exonerate ourselves from moral decadence ravaging the society, hence every person must have come from home.
“Permit me to salute efforts of responsible fathers among us, who give their sleep to prayers, searching scriptures to making sure that our children are kept.
“Unfortunately, some of us are not living up to expectations. The essence of International Fathers Day celebration is not to condemn anybody. It is to wake up the man in us as to rise to challenges of responsible parenting to shaping our society.
“So, let us sit up to our responsibilities as fathers”.
The prelate regretted the sudden surge in idolatry among youths, ritual killings and get rich quick syndrome (Ego mbute), enjoining fathers to tackle these menace in their homes in love.
“Love is one virtue that oppose every spirit. So, instead of decisive words to changing any wrong attitude, we can bring it to the table for discussion.
“No drunk father can stop his children from drinking. Leadership excels at leading by examples. So, we need to shape our attitude to reflect what we want our children to look like.”
The bishop sympathized with fathers facing economic reality of our time, yet pleaded with them to invest on children education, direct their minds to Church programmes and activities.
He enjoined mothers to be supportive and not paint fathers wicked before children as that will always be counterproductive.
*David and Stella are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State.
