Methodist Church responds to viral video of member labelling bishop as ‘thief’

The Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church, Ghana, Most Reverend Kwabena Asamoah-Gyadu, has stepped in to address the viral video showing a tense exchange between a church member and a minister over tithing, an incident in which the member went as far as calling the bishop a thief.

In an official response shared on the Church’s X page on April 22, 2026, the leadership moved to clarify a key issue surrounding the controversy.

The Church explained that the video currently circulating on social media is not recent, but an old incident that has resurfaced.

Reverend Kwabena Asamoah-Gyadu opened his statement with a reflective reference to Scripture, citing John 9:39:

“I came into this world for judgment, so that those who do not see may see and those who do see may become blind.”

He noted that these words were originally spoken by Jesus in response to the hypercritical posture of the Pharisees after the healing of a blind man.

The Methodist bishop's message that prompted 'thieves' tag by a church member

The Methodist Church’s leadership also highlighted how the situation was handled after the incident.

Particular emphasis was placed on the maturity shown by the minister involved, who chose not to escalate the exchanges despite the provocation.

At the same time, the Presiding Bishop expressed appreciation to the female member for her subsequent apology.

The statement acknowledges that the female church member caught up in the situation is currently “hurting by the public attacks” following the video’s resurgence.

The Bishop’s closing words directly address the member with warmth, reinforcing a message of unconditional love and grace.

Read the full statement below:

“I came into this world for judgment, so that those who do not see may see and those who do see may become blind” (John 9:39).

This was Jesus’ response to the rather hypercritical stance that the Pharisees took against him and a blind man he healed.

The Methodist Church Ghana, through its appropriate agents, has extended love and compassion to a member seen in a viral video in exchanges with a minister over tithing. It’s an old story, not a recent occurrence.

We thank God for the maturity demonstrated by the minister in not continuing the exchanges, and we are grateful to the member for her apology. She is hurting from the public attacks.

Mama, our love for you is unconditional. It is the gracious forgiveness of Jesus that keeps us all. Blessings.

Grace Over Judgement: The Methodist Church Ghana Stands with Member Amid Viral Video Controversy pic.twitter.com/PjYroWRNMS

— The Methodist Church Ghana (@MethodistChGh) April 22, 2026

AK/BAI