By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Lagos
Bishops and Archbishops of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star (BCS) have been urged to promote peaceful family relationships, lead by example and take responsibility for their homes.
The clerics were also advised against domestic violence, with emphasis on resolving marital disagreements through love, prayer and the word of God.
The recommendations were contained in a communique issued after an interactive session on “Building a Perfect Family Relationship” at the Lagos State Bishops’ Congress held on Saturday, October 17, at Idimu Bethel, Ikotun Zone, Lagos State.
The communique, supervised by the Supervisor of Bishops in Lagos State, Archbishop Enefiok James, said bishops and archbishops should not abandon their family responsibilities to their wives but should provide leadership guided by biblical teachings.
It urged the clerics to dedicate a day each week to reflecting on the word of God, particularly the Everlasting Gospel, and to seek divine guidance through prayer in addressing family challenges.
The bishops were also encouragedu to maintain cordial relationships with their families, including members who do not belong to the BCS, and to organise occasional outings to strengthen family bonds.
On domestic violence, the communique stated that no bishop or archbishop should raise a hand against his wife, urging them to correct their spouses with love and the word of God.
It further called on the clerics to build good relationships with their children, share testimonies of their faith with family members and seek reconciliation promptly whenever disagreements arise.
The communique stressed the importance of regular medical check-ups, healthy eating and general attention to personal health, noting that the wellbeing of family heads was important to their ability to care for their households.
It also encouraged the clerics to identify with and support their home Bethels or the nearest available Bethels, as well as their respective community associations in Lagos State.
The bishops were further advised to communicate their commitment to the Father and the BCS to their families to minimise misunderstandings and controversies over their religious affiliation and commitments after their death.
The communique recommended that similar interactive sessions be organised periodically to strengthen family relationships and promote peaceful coexistence within families and the wider Brotherhood.
