President John Mahama has issued a forceful appeal to religious leaders, urging them to exercise restraint in their public comments, emphasizing the importance of maintaining national unity and preventing inflammatory statements that could incite violence or damage relations between Christians and other faiths. He stated at the opening of the Assemblies of God, Ghana’s 32nd Biennial General Council Meeting at the Pentecost Convention Centre in Gomoa Fetteh, near Kasoa, in the Central Region yesterday, a response following a recent incident involving a pastor and imam, which he described as deeply unfortunate. The President’s remarks follow a growing concern among security officials and religious leaders regarding the potential for misinterpretations or inflammatory rhetoric to destabilize the country. He acknowledged recent developments involving a pastor and an imam, prompting a reminder of Ghana’s historical tradition of religious tolerance and the potential for inflammatory statements to undermine peace. ‘It can inflame passions and cause damage far beyond what the speaker intended,’ the President asserted, further emphasizing that comments attributed to both religious figures, as well as a reported physical assault that subsequently occurred, were deeply troubling. The President underscored that such incidents must never be allowed to define relations between Christians and other religions in this country, and stressed the need for dialogue and reconciliation. He stated that for generations, Christians, Muslims, and people of other faiths have lived together peacefully in Ghana, and that ‘We belong to the same families, we attend the same schools, we work in the same offices, and serve together in our security services and public institutions.’ The President added that the 1992 Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and freedom of expression, and cautioned against inciting violence or threatening another person’s faith. He emphasized that religious convictions must never become religious provocation. ‘Disagreements must never descend into hatred, intimidation or assault,’ he stated. ‘God does not need violence committed in His name,’ he continued, pointing to the Bible’s teachings about peace and restraint. ‘No one honours God by insulting another person’s faith or to incite violence or take the law into their own hands,’ he emphasized. The President also urged the leadership of the Assemblies of God Church and other Christian bodies to continue working closely with other religious leaders, traditional authorities, and the National Peace Council to strengthen interfaith dialogue, particularly among young people. ‘We must teach the next generation that religious diversity is not a weakness. It is a source of strength when uncovered in mutual respect,’ the President postulated. He commended Assemblies of God, Ghana for its contributions to education, healthcare, moral formation, and community development. ‘Indeed, he said, the beginning was tough and extremely challenging, considering its genesis from the northern part of the country,’ he added. The General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God Church, Ghana, Rev. Stephen Wengam, presented the State of the Church Report, stating that God had raised faithful men and women whose labor, sacrifices, and unwavering commitment had transformed the church into one of the foremost pentecostal and charismatic denominations in the country. He highlighted the church’s resilience and success, noting that its survival and growth had proven that it was resilient and possessed the DNA of success to excel no matter the cost. The President further emphasized that the church’s current leadership continued to pursue the transformation agenda. He pointed out that the leadership aimed to strengthen governance, enhance ministerial excellence, expand nations, develop infrastructure, promote accountability, embrace technology, and position the church for greater national and global impact. The event also presented awards recognizing individuals and organizations contributing to the church’s growth, including President Mahama and his wife, Lordina, for building 10 legacy temples to eliminate churches under trees and offer a proper place of worship for those in deplorable conditions. Mrs. Mahama was also presented with the Great Commission Award. The Eagle Leader Award was presented to President Mahama for being a dedicated member of the Assemblies of God, Ghana and ascending to the highest office of the land as the first member of the church to do so. The church also honored pastors who planted churches, with the highest honouree receiving a vehicle. The President concluded by reiterating the importance of Christian leaders demonstrating honesty in public office, integrity in business, compassion in their communities, and discipline in their personal lives. ‘We are also deeply honoured that Ghana has been selected to hold the World Congress of Assemblies of God this year,’ the President pointed out. The event underscored the significance of the church’s role in the nation’s spiritual and social well-being, and the need for Christian leaders to remain committed to principles of peace, justice, and service.”}”””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””
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Source: Graphic Online
