Two Churches asked to settle disputes out of court

Hohoe, May 29, GNA - The Evangelical Presbyterian (E. P) Church, Ghana, has been asked to withdraw court action it initiated against Global Evangelical (G.P) Church, for amicable settlement.

The appeal was made by Reverend Innocent Kodzo Bidahor, Presbytery Clerk of the Hohoe branch of the G.P Church at Hohoe on Saturday.

It was contained in his message to the Second Central Presbytery Synod of the Hohoe branch of the E. P. Church, organised on the theme: "Integrity in Mission and Ministry."

Rev. Innocent Bidahor called on the two churches to adopt alternative dispute resolution to fast-track amicable settlement of all disputes.

He said: "We remained Christians and the children of the same Father. We are mature enough to settle these misunderstandings among ourselves rather than litigate in the court."

Rev. Bidahor appealed to the General Assembly and the Council of E. P Church to as a matter of urgency reconsider its position on the matter.

Rev. Godwin K. Osiakwa, Clerk of the General Assembly of the E. P. Church, said the Church's doors were opened for peace-making provided the G.P Church also uphold such position.

He called on the two Churches to ensure speedy settlement of disputes to promote evangelism and ecumenical activities.

Rev. Osiakwa announced that the E.P Church has begun activities to mark its 175 anniversary with the climax event in August, this year.

He said the premier E. P. University, which was established four years ago, has enrolled 430 freshmen for various courses but lamented that the one Ghana cedi per month payment by members of the Church towards the success of the University was not encouraging.

Rev Osiakwa called for the strengthening of Church-State relations for development.

Rev William Rambu Sakoe, Moderator of the Central Presbytery Synod of the General Assembly of the E.P Church, appealed to Government to assist the Church to rehabilitate its dilapidated school structures at the basic level, which poses danger to lives of pupils.