The Bishop of Konongo-Mampong Diocese, Most Rev. John Opoku-Agyemang, has called on fathers and families to reclaim the sacred responsibility of fatherhood, using St. Joseph as a timeless model of commitment, presence, and sacrificial love.
Speaking at the Holy Spirit Cathedral, Adabraka, on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, during the 7th edition of the Conversations in the Cathedral, the Bishop linked the Christmas story to contemporary social challenges, particularly the growing crisis of fatherlessness.
“Joseph knew Jesus was not his natural son,” the Bishop explained, “yet he gave Him his name, his trade, his protection, and his presence. That is true fatherhood.”
He stressed that fatherhood goes beyond biology, describing it as a vocation rooted in guidance, affirmation, and emotional availability.
“In societies where fatherlessness is increasing, families, churches, communities, and even nations suffer,” he warned. “A good father is present, physically and emotionally.”
Conversations in the Cathedral is an annual ecumenical programme hosted usually at the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Accra. It was initiated by the Archbishop of Accra, the Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, CSSp, as a means of creating a space for people of faith and goodwill to come together and reflect on issues that affect both the Church and society.
It is not a lecture or seminar in the strict sense, but truly a conversation. It brings together voices from different walks of life, such as clergy, laity, academics, professionals, and leaders from different Christian denominations to think, pray, and talk about the meaning of Christmas and a Christmas–related theme, and how it relates to our modern society and lives today.
Because the programme is ecumenical, people are invited from other denominations, and this makes the conversation richer, as it reflects the spirit of unity and dialogue that the Church wants to encourage.
Addressing men directly at the programme, Bishop Opoku-Agyemang encouraged fathers to affirm their children intentionally and resist discouragement over personal shortcomings.
“You may not be perfect,” he said, “but rely on your loving Father in heaven to give you the grace to be the father He wants you to be.”
The Bishop also extended his message to those without biological children, urging them to embrace spiritual and foster fatherhood.
“Find someone in your church, your community, your neighbourhood,” he urged. “Let that person experience fatherhood through you. Foster fatherhood, like Joseph’s, is a call to holiness.”
He added by reminding the faithful that welcoming Christ into one’s family sanctifies it.
“Our families may not be holy,” he said, “but if we allow the Lord to be born into them this Christmas, they will be made holy.”
The programme aims to help us see Christmas as more than just a celebration, but as a message of hope, unity, and renewal; and link faith with real issues in our society, such as justice, peace, corruption, environment, and youth development.
It is also to encourage dialogue and learning from one another, both as Christians and as citizens, and build bridges across denominations and professions, walking together as one community of faith and goodwill.
By Theresa Kpordzo//Newswatchgh.com
