The Anglican Diocese of Accra has ordained the first three women deaconesses as priests of the Anglican Church of Ghana. The three are Rev. Mrs. Stella Bentsi-Enchil, Rev. Mrs. Alberta Kennies Addo, and Rev. Ms. Susanna C. Naana Ackun. In a sermon, the Archbishop and Primate of the Church of the Province of West Africa and Bishop of Accra, the Most Rev Dr Justice O. Akrofi, reminded the new priests of their call to fulfill the vision of God for mankind. He said they had been called among many and, therefore, they should act as leaders with great respect, humility, patience and love for all. He reminded them of the various gifts which God had endowed them with and urged them to facilitate the different gifts within the church in order to promote its growth. The Most Rev Dr Akrofi also urged them to uphold holiness and make Christ the centre of their lives. “Have concern for modest life within your own priestly vocation. The development of your own spirituality should be paramount if you are to be in tune and fellowship with God,” he added. He also advised them to be charitable and concerned about the socio-economic development of the communities in which they lived. He advised the newly ordained priests to eschew over ambition, “since it often makes one’s thoughts and actions tend to be determined not by the will of God, but what others are likely to think or say about you”. The Most Rev Dr Akrofi also counseled them to be honest and true to themselves, cooperate with their colleagues and share ideas in their priestly vocation. Source: Daily Graphic