Presbyterian Church advocates religious tolerance

The Asante Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG), has held its 91st Presbytery Conference in Kumasi with a call on Christians to embrace religious tolerance.

The Reverend Dr. Kwabena Opuni-Frimpong, the Presbytery Chairperson, reminded them that they were obliged to accommodate other religions since the Bible preaches good neighbourliness and peace.

He bemoaned the prevalence and ascendancy in religious conflicts with its attendant consequences on the society, particularly in some sub-Saharan African countries due to misunderstanding, indoctrination and fanaticism on the part of some followers.

The conference that was on theme: "The Gift of the Holy Spirit in the church today" , aimed at taking stock of the Presbytery's activities and mapping strategize to enhance growth.

Rev. Dr. Opuni-Frimpong said followers of the PGC had for sometime now boosted of healthy relationship with their Muslim counterparts.

He said the PCG had extended its outreach programmes to traditional authorities to help the church liaise effectively with traditional authorities.

Sheikh Abdul Mumin Haroun, Ashanti Regional Chief Imam, lauded the PCG for consolidating peace amongst the various religious bodies.

He advised Muslim leaders to sensitize the youth to be wary of alien doctrines that could lead them astray.

Sheikh Haroun decried the incidence of suicide bombings perpetrated by some people in the name of Islam, saying it behoves the leaders to preach against such practices.

Islam, he said, stands for peace and the welfare of the people and does not countenance the shedding of innocent blood.