Scrambling for positions in the Church condemned

Abiriw-Akuapem (E/R), April 24, GNA - The chairman of the Akuapem Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Rev. Charles Ahwireng, has said scrambling for positions and litigation in some churches were indications of the church gradually losing its prophetic voice and moral authority.

He said instead of becoming the conduit through which people could find solace, some churches had become battle grounds for vile contests and other "blasphemous" activities, including the practice of pseudo-Christian cults.

Rev Ahwireng, who was delivering the sermon at the 79th conference of the Presbytery held at Abirew-Akuapem on Sunday, called on Christendom to unite and save itself from disgrace. As part of the conference, the Presbytery honoured some eminent Ghanaians for their contributions towards the Presbyterian University College.

They included Professor Akua Kuenyehia, the Vice-President of the International Criminal Court, Nana Dokua, Queenmother of the Akuapem Traditional Area, Rev. Professor Dr Kwame Bediako, a leading clergyman of the PCG, Dr Owusu Acheampong of the Tetteh-Quarshie Memorial Hospital, Mampong Akuapem and Mr Abu Offie, a philanthropist.

The Minister of Information, Mr Dan Botwe, the Deputy Defence Minister, Mr William Boafo and the Deputy Minister of Presidential Affairs, Mrs Mercy Bampo-Addo, presented the awards to the recipients. Rev Ahwireng said Christendom should be saddened with the "strange happenings" within it because while Christ demanded from clergymen an impeccable service to the people, it was worrying that some priests were introducing pseudo-Christian cults into the churches. Such tendencies, he cautioned, could tarnish the reputation of the churches and impair their ability to stand with the disadvantaged. Doctrines, in particular, Rev Ahwireng said, had become a major source of conflict in churches as each tried to undo the other whereas the Bible demanded that "all Christians may become one."

He denounced the increasing tussle among the nation's political parties and urged Christians who are members of parties to bring some sanity to bear on their activities in the interest of the nation.