By Alex O Agyekum
Otiakrom-Shallom (E/R), Nov. 28, GNA – Apostle Dr. Kadmiel Agbalenyo, Founder and Leader of Seventh Day Theocratical Congregation, has urged parents to be very responsible towards their children and stop child abandonment.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency after a church service in Otiakrom-Shallom Apostle Dr. Agbalenyo expressed concern over parents forsaking their “divine parenthood responsibilities” in the face of economic challenges.
He said fathers who later attempt to claim custody of children they had previously abandoned due to economic hardship, was one major example.
“Some fathers punish their wives and children by abandoning them to confront the current difficult economy and later come back to claim the children they abandoned,” he stated.
Apostle Dr. Agbalenyo however pointed out that some women also deserted their children in pursuit of wealth or new relationships, emphasizing that such actions have no place in society.
The cleric said widowhood is the only circumstance that should result in single parenthood.
He stated that children are maltreated in various homes because they were seen as burdens.
Apostle Dr Agbalenyo called for change in attitude by men and women who deserted their children, saying children were a blessing to humanity and strength to families if they were religiously, culturally, and skillfully trained to reflect godly qualities.
“Some people have considered children their biggest burden and therefore maltreated them in their homes.”
Dr Agbalenyo outlined the importance of proper child upbringing, advocating for a balanced approach to education that combines academic pursuits with practical life skills.
He said: “To become domestically strong and dutiful, children must be given some time to play while not forgetting the family, religious activities, and academic activities.
“They should be introduced to homemaking, and cleaning, cooking and skills training, which is the ultimate industrial foundation alongside academic activities.”
Apostle Dr Agbalenyo said divine punishment awaited parents who neglected their responsibilities, stating that parents who abandon their children demonstrate a fundamental disconnect from their Creator.
He said on the other hand, children who were trained religiously, domestically, and industriously become economic pillars of their families, and urged parents to transform their households into spaces where families could unite and grow together, stressing that child abandonment represents a serious breach of both societal and spiritual obligations.
GNA
BM
28 Nov 2024