TIG Post

Tag: Christians

  • Christian Association of Nigeria kicks against title of Ini Edo’s new Christmas movie

    Christian Association of Nigeria kicks against title of Ini Edo’s new Christmas movie

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has reacted angrily to the title of a new movie by actress Ini Edo, called “A Very Dirty Christmas.”

    According to CAN, the title is insulting and shows a lack of respect for the Christian faith.

    The group explained that Christmas is a holy period for Christians because it celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. It stands for things like purity, peace, love and salvation. CAN believes that using the word “-dirty” to describe Christmas takes away its spiritual value and turns a sacred celebration into something cheap and attention-seeking.

    In a statement signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN said it supports creativity and artistic freedom, but stressed that such freedom should be used carefully and responsibly, especially in a country like Nigeria where people practice different religions.

    CAN said creative works should promote unity and understanding, not offend people’s deeply held religious beliefs.

    The association also expressed concern that a movie with such a title was approved by regulators without proper checks.

    Because of this, CAN has asked the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) to explain how the title was allowed, especially since the film is being released during the Christmas season.

    CAN further called on bodies like the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and other Nollywood stakeholders to speak up against the use of religious themes in ways that can offend believers.

    In addition, CAN asked the producers and promoters of the movie to change the title, apologise publicly, and make sure religious symbols and sacred periods are treated with respect.

    The association also appealed directly to Ini Edo to show understanding and respond to the concerns raised by Christians.

    CAN concluded that at a time when Nigeria is already dealing with serious moral and social problems, actions that make light of sacred values only increase division and reduce mutual respect.

    Ghanaian actor and filmmaker Lilwin’s movie based on Burkina Faso’s military leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, has been surrounded by several controversies since production began.

    The film, titled Captain Ibrahim Traoré: The Last African Hero, first drew attention after its production was violently disrupted in Kumasi. During filming, a group of masked men riding motorbikes reportedly stormed the set, ordered the crew to stop work and caused damage. Following the incident, the property owner withdrew permission for the location to be used, forcing the production team to suspend filming temporarily.

    Amid the disruption, Lilwin claimed he was approached with an offer of $20,000 to abandon the project. According to him, the offer was meant to stop the movie from being completed. He said he rejected the money and decided to continue with the film, insisting that he believed in the project and its message.

    The movie also became part of public debate after its scheduled premiere date clashed with a national candlelight vigil organised in honour of the late highlife musician Daddy Lumba. Lilwin described the situation as unfair and expressed concern that the vigil would overshadow the premiere of his movie, a comment that sparked criticism from sections of the public.

    Beyond these incidents, the film attracted mixed reactions online, with some critics questioning the approach, production choices and overall direction of the project. Others debated whether the story was told in a way that could appeal to a wider international audience.

    After the premiere, Lilwin further accused some Ghanaian media houses of ignoring the film, despite what he described as international interest and recognition. He expressed disappointment over what he saw as a lack of local media support for the project.

    In response to the challenges, Lilwin also announced that he was open to selling the broadcast rights of the movie to Ghanaian television stations in order to increase its reach and generate revenue.

    Despite the setbacks and criticism, Lilwin has maintained that the film will be completed and distributed, describing the controversies as part of the challenges that come with telling bold and unconventional stories.

  • I reacted to Christian attacks in Nigeria because of my pastor – Nicki Minaj

    I reacted to Christian attacks in Nigeria because of my pastor – Nicki Minaj

    American rapper Nicki Minaj has revealed that her connection to Nigeria is the reason behind her response to the increasing attacks on Christians in the country.

    She explained that Nigeria holds deep significance for her, adding that reports of attacks on Christians have been distressing.

    She also disclosed that her pastor is Nigerian and noted that she receives strong support from fans in the country, popularly known as “Nigerian barbs.”

    “Nigeria is a place I’ve always loved. Someone very dear to me, my pastor, is Nigerian, and I have lots of Nigerian barbs. So hearing that people are being kidnapped while they’re in church, people are being killed, brutalised, all because of their religion that should spark outrage,” she said during a surprise appearance at AmericaFest, where she took questions from the audience.

    The rapper noted that remaining silent only fuels oppression, making it clear that she is no longer willing to keep quiet about issues of faith and persecution.

    “We’re not backing down anymore. We are not going to be silenced by the bullies anymore. We will speak up for Christians wherever they are in this world,” she said.

    The Trinidadian-American rapper took the stage at a high-profile United Nations forum in New York to highlight claims of increasing attacks on Christians in Nigeria and to call for urgent global action.

    Organisers say her appearance was arranged by Alex Bruesewitz, an adviser to US President Donald Trump. She spoke at a panel where US officials outlined the administration’s concerns about religious violence in the West African nation.

    Minaj began by admitting she felt nervous but grateful for the opportunity to address the forum. She thanked US Ambassador to the UN Michael Waltz and President Trump for prioritising the issue, describing her intervention as a moral duty rather than a partisan act.

    She told attendees that protecting worshippers everywhere is about “uniting humanity” and said her fans, the Barbz, “will never stand down in the face of injustice.”

    Her remarks combined personal reflection with vivid descriptions of churches destroyed, families torn apart, and communities living in fear.

    The appearance followed a flurry of comments from Washington that had already escalated tensions.

    In recent weeks, President Trump publicly accused the Nigerian government of failing to prevent attacks on Christians and instructed US agencies to prepare responses, including warnings of potential military action if the situation did not improve.

    Nigerian officials quickly responded, rejecting claims of state-backed persecution and stressing the country’s constitutional guarantees for religious freedom.

    US Ambassador Michael Waltz praised Minaj on social media, calling her “not only arguably the greatest female recording artist but also a principled individual who refuses to remain silent in the face of injustice.”

    He added that he looked forward to working alongside her as the US considered steps to protect persecuted Christians.

    Minaj said she was grateful for the chance to speak and emphasised that she did not take the invitation lightly.

    Gunmen launched an attack on a church in Nigeria, killing at least two people and abducting the pastor along with several worshippers, according to police and eyewitness accounts on Wednesday.

    Tuesday evening’s assault in Eruku, a community in Kwara state in central Nigeria, has intensified pressure on the government as U.S. President Donald Trump continues to criticise Nigeria over what he describes as persecution of Christians.

    President Bola Tinubu cancelled a scheduled visit to South Africa and Angola for the G20 and AU-EU summits so he could receive security updates on both incidents, his office announced.

    Tinubu also instructed the security agencies “to do everything possible” to rescue the schoolgirls “abducted by the bandits and bring the girls back home safe,” spokesperson Bayo Onanuga said.

    Speaking at the U.S. mission to the United Nations on Tuesday, rapper Nicki Minaj renewed calls for international action to protect religious freedom, stating that in Nigeria “Christians are being targeted, driven from their homes and killed.”

    Across the country, authorities continue to confront a long-running Islamist insurgency in the northeast, widespread kidnappings and killings by armed gangs in the northwest, and violent clashes between mostly Muslim herders and predominantly Christian farmers in central Nigeria.

    Police in Kwara reported that officers responding to gunfire around 6 p.m. on Tuesday found one victim shot inside the church and another in nearby bushes, according to state police spokesperson Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi.

    Eyewitnesses told Reuters they counted at least three church members dead.

    Parishioner Joseph Bitrus said by phone that “they later rounded up some worshippers, including the pastor, and took them into the bush,” though he did not specify how many were seized.

    A video shared by a local media outlet and verified by Reuters shows the Christ Apostolic Church service abruptly disrupted by gunfire, with worshippers scrambling for safety as armed men enter and seize belongings.

    Kwara’s governor has asked for an immediate increase in security deployments following the attack, his spokesperson confirmed.

    Authorities in Kebbi state are still searching for the schoolgirls taken on Monday when armed men raided the predominantly Muslim Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School. Vice President Kashim Shettima is expected to travel there on Wednesday to meet families and local officials.

    In another tragic development earlier this year, six Christians in central Nigeria’s Benue state were killed and eight kidnapped in suspected Fulani herdsmen attacks across three villages.

    Adding to the carnage, the Akpanta killings in March 2025 saw armed herders torching churches Methodist, Anglican, and Catholic and homes in at least one village, forcing many Christians to flee.

    The Nigerian government, however, maintains the narrative that these are not purely religious attacks. Information Minister Mohammed Idris has said that using religion to frame the violence is “misinformation or faulty data,” arguing that extremism affects both Christians and Muslims.

    Nonetheless, analysts say the violence is deeply rooted in long-standing insecurity. Religious, ethnic, and resource-based tensions overlap especially in central Nigeria, where many of the farmers are Christian and the herders Muslim.

  • Nicki Minaj calls for global action on attacks against Christians in Nigeria at UN forum

    Nicki Minaj calls for global action on attacks against Christians in Nigeria at UN forum

    Trinidadian-American rapper Nicki Minaj took the stage at a high-profile United Nations forum in New York to highlight claims of increasing attacks on Christians in Nigeria and to call for urgent global action.

    Organisers say her appearance was arranged by Alex Bruesewitz, an adviser to US President Donald Trump. She spoke at a panel where US officials outlined the administration’s concerns about religious violence in the West African nation.

    Minaj began by admitting she felt nervous but grateful for the opportunity to address the forum. She thanked US Ambassador to the UN Michael Waltz and President Trump for prioritising the issue, describing her intervention as a moral duty rather than a partisan act.

    She told attendees that protecting worshippers everywhere is about “uniting humanity” and said her fans, the Barbz, “will never stand down in the face of injustice.”

    Her remarks combined personal reflection with vivid descriptions of churches destroyed, families torn apart, and communities living in fear.

    The appearance followed a flurry of comments from Washington that had already escalated tensions.

    In recent weeks, President Trump publicly accused the Nigerian government of failing to prevent attacks on Christians and instructed US agencies to prepare responses, including warnings of potential military action if the situation did not improve.

    Nigerian officials quickly responded, rejecting claims of state-backed persecution and stressing the country’s constitutional guarantees for religious freedom.

    US Ambassador Michael Waltz praised Minaj on social media, calling her “not only arguably the greatest female recording artist but also a principled individual who refuses to remain silent in the face of injustice.”

    He added that he looked forward to working alongside her as the US considered steps to protect persecuted Christians.

    Minaj said she was grateful for the chance to speak and emphasised that she did not take the invitation lightly.

    Gunmen launched an attack on a church in Nigeria, killing at least two people and abducting the pastor along with several worshippers, according to police and eyewitness accounts on Wednesday.

    Tuesday evening’s assault in Eruku, a community in Kwara state in central Nigeria, has intensified pressure on the government as U.S. President Donald Trump continues to criticise Nigeria over what he describes as persecution of Christians.

    President Bola Tinubu cancelled a scheduled visit to South Africa and Angola for the G20 and AU-EU summits so he could receive security updates on both incidents, his office announced.

    Tinubu also instructed the security agencies “to do everything possible” to rescue the schoolgirls “abducted by the bandits and bring the girls back home safe,” spokesperson Bayo Onanuga said.

    Speaking at the U.S. mission to the United Nations on Tuesday, rapper Nicki Minaj renewed calls for international action to protect religious freedom, stating that in Nigeria “Christians are being targeted, driven from their homes and killed.”

    Across the country, authorities continue to confront a long-running Islamist insurgency in the northeast, widespread kidnappings and killings by armed gangs in the northwest, and violent clashes between mostly Muslim herders and predominantly Christian farmers in central Nigeria.

    Police in Kwara reported that officers responding to gunfire around 6 p.m. on Tuesday found one victim shot inside the church and another in nearby bushes, according to state police spokesperson Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi.

    Eyewitnesses told Reuters they counted at least three church members dead.

    Parishioner Joseph Bitrus said by phone that “they later rounded up some worshippers, including the pastor, and took them into the bush,” though he did not specify how many were seized.

    A video shared by a local media outlet and verified by Reuters shows the Christ Apostolic Church service abruptly disrupted by gunfire, with worshippers scrambling for safety as armed men enter and seize belongings.

    Kwara’s governor has asked for an immediate increase in security deployments following the attack, his spokesperson confirmed.

    Authorities in Kebbi state are still searching for the schoolgirls taken on Monday when armed men raided the predominantly Muslim Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School. Vice President Kashim Shettima is expected to travel there on Wednesday to meet families and local officials.

    In another tragic development earlier this year, six Christians in central Nigeria’s Benue state were killed and eight kidnapped in suspected Fulani herdsmen attacks across three villages.

    Adding to the carnage, the Akpanta killings in March 2025 saw armed herders torching churches Methodist, Anglican, and Catholic and homes in at least one village, forcing many Christians to flee.

    The Nigerian government, however, maintains the narrative that these are not purely religious attacks. Information Minister Mohammed Idris has said that using religion to frame the violence is “misinformation or faulty data,” arguing that extremism affects both Christians and Muslims.

    Nonetheless, analysts say the violence is deeply rooted in long-standing insecurity. Religious, ethnic, and resource-based tensions overlap especially in central Nigeria, where many of the farmers are Christian and the herders Muslim.

  • “Dress to attract ‘worldly’ people to God”- Brother Sammy tells Christians

    “Dress to attract ‘worldly’ people to God”- Brother Sammy tells Christians

    Controversial gospel musician Broda Sammy has asked Christians to consider unbelievers in their choice of clothing in other to win them unto Christ.

    “Just because you are a Christian doesn’t mean you should dress like a pauper. Dress fashionably. Christians are supposed to look fashionable to attract ‘worldly’ people to God. So when they see you dressing good, they will be like, ‘I can also dress like that and come to church.”

    “Just because you are a Christian doesn’t mean you should dress like a pauper. Dress fashionably. Christians are supposed to look fashionable to attract ‘worldly’ people to God. So when they see you dressing good, they will be like, ‘I can also dress like that and come to church,” Broda Sammy said in an interview with Hitz FM on October 14, 2025.

    The musician shared an experience to illustrate his point, revealing that he once invited a woman to church who declined because she said she didn’t have the appropriate attire.

    “Many people have left the church because they were discriminated against for their dressing, or because they had dreadlocks or because they had tattoos. But those are rather the people that should be in church,” Broda Sammy claimed.

    Brother Sammy says his way of dressing has now become his way of winning unbelievers over to Christ.

    He added, “That is why I have changed my life. No one in Ghana wears better suits than me. I dress this way to prove that Christianity can look good. It is to show that no matter how you look, Christ still loves you, so come to him.”

    Meanwhile, renowned gospel artiste and evangelist Cecilia Marfo urged pastors to embrace a compassionate approach in reaching out to sinners, emphasizing the importance of encouragement over condemnation.

    Speaking in an interview with Fiifi Prat on Kingdom FM, Cecilia Marfo stressed that believers should not harshly criticize those who are not in Christ for sins such as adultery, fornication, or perceived inappropriate dressing.

    She explained that, instead of pushing people away from the gospel, Christians should focus on guiding and mentoring them gently, encouraging them toward a relationship with Christ.

    “Any pastor who condemns adultery, fornication, or the clothing choices of worldly individuals is misguided, as we must not confront sinners about their sins but instead gently encourage them to turn to Jesus,” she stated.

    The woman of God emphasized that the current generation needs a more thoughtful approach, as sermons filled with judgment could alienate people from the church.

    “If you judge them harshly, you push them away,” she added.

    Sharing her preaching style, Cecilia Marfo said, “If you observe me preaching, you will be moved to tears. I make people realize that no matter how significant their sins may seem, Jesus came for them.”

    On the other hand, Ghanaian musician Kwabena Kwabena has stated that he no longer goes to church as part of his efforts to stay away from temptations. According to him, some female church members dress inappropriately to church.

    “Let me tell you something, even if you have dresses that tighten your ass, you don’t wear them to church. You have places you can wear those dresses to, but when you are going to the house of God, there should be a purpose why you are going there, and please, we must all start to behave in a certain manner…

    “For me, it’s a shame that, up until now, no pastor has spoken against it. What has the house of God turned into? Honestly, it has justified why I don’t feel like stepping into any church,” he is quoted to have said.

    Among the many things he also mentioned that pulled him out of the church was what he said was the “inappropriate behaviour” of gospel musicians who prioritise money by engaging in indecent means to promote their works.

    “Money is just a byproduct of creativity. In today’s world, because of material things, it’s important that we kind of focus on money, but I can say confidently that we focus so much on money, that’s why we are losing the craft.

    “Recently, I saw something that gospel musicians have started doing, and it saddens me. It’s very sad… Because I write gospel music and I know what gospel music is supposed to do, I became very sad that gospel musicians have actually started touring on worldly things,” he said.

    In an interview the Aso hit-maker said it was not right for ladies to wear dresses that tighten their buttocks to church.

    “Let me tell you something, even if you have dresses that tighten your ass, you don’t wear them to church. You have places you can wear those dresses to, but when you are going to the house of God, there should be a purpose why you are going there, and please, we must all start to behave in a certain manner…

    “For me, it’s a shame that, up until now, no pastor has spoken against it. What has the house of God turned into? Honestly, it has justified why I don’t feel like stepping into any church,” he is quoted to have said.

    Among the many things he also mentioned that pulled him out of the church was what he said was the “inappropriate behaviour” of gospel musicians who prioritise money by engaging in indecent means to promote their works.

    “Money is just a byproduct of creativity. In today’s world, because of material things, it’s important that we kind of focus on money, but I can say confidently that we focus so much on money, that’s why we are losing the craft.

    “Recently, I saw something that gospel musicians have started doing, and it saddens me. It’s very sad… Because I write gospel music and I know what gospel music is supposed to do, I became very sad that gospel musicians have actually started touring on worldly things,” he said.

  • Staking lotto is not a sin, stop using Christianity to scare us – Broda Sammy

    Staking lotto is not a sin, stop using Christianity to scare us – Broda Sammy

    Gospel musician Broda Sammy has asserted that staking lotto is not a sin.

    He believes Christians should stop making a big deal out of everything.

    In a recent interview with UTV, Broda Sammy noted that many Christian followers have benefited from the positive outcomes of participating in staking lotto.

    He even highlighted a church building that was financed through lotto winnings.

    “Staking lotto is not a sin. I don’t see anything wrong with it. We create a big fuss out of everything. I remember a pastor who benefited from staking a lotto to help build his church. I mean, I don’t see anything wrong with it,” Broda Sammy stated.

    His comments have sparked mixed reactions on social media.

    Watch video below:

  • Most sinful acts begin after church services – Big Joe Frazier

    Most sinful acts begin after church services – Big Joe Frazier

    Ghanaian Hiplife icon Big Joe Frazier has voiced his thoughts on what he perceives as ‘hypocrisy’ among Christians in Ghana. In a recent interview with Property FM in Cape Coast, he pointed out a curious pattern he has observed: many of the country’s sinful activities seem to take place after church services on Sundays.

    He explained, “There’s a well-known idea that God should be our top priority, so often people choose to engage in certain activities only after attending church. I’ve noticed a lot of hypocrisy in this behavior, especially on Sundays when individuals go to church first before anything else.”

    Big Joe Frazier shared that these observations inspired him to release his new single, ‘After Church,’ which features King Paluta. He elaborated, “I saw that people often engage in negative behavior or even curse others right after church. This idea became the foundation for my song.”

    He also mentioned that crafting the lyrics for ‘After Church’ was a meticulous process, aimed at creating a track that resonates deeply and stands the test of time.

  • Prophet Adom Kyei Duah can’t be the Jesus Christians seek – Christian Council of Ghana

    Prophet Adom Kyei Duah can’t be the Jesus Christians seek – Christian Council of Ghana

    The Christian Council of Ghana has issued a press statement titled “Beware of false teachers and messiahs,” condemning Prophet Adom Kyei Duah, the leader of the Philadelphia Movement, for suggesting that his face should replace the traditional image of Jesus Christ.

    The Council firmly stated that Prophet Adom Kyei Duah cannot be the Jesus that Christians seek, emphasizing that there is only one Jesus Christ, who was born to the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and resurrected on the third day.

    This Jesus, they asserted, will return in glory to reward those who follow God’s will, not to establish a new church or movement.

    “Therefore, as Christian leaders, we strongly condemn the anti-Christ statements made by the prophet and urge all Christians in Ghana to disregard them and save their souls from destruction.

    “Additionally, we emphatically state that sensational and spectacular events or miracles do not necessarily authenticate a person as chosen by God, and therefore we must be careful (Matt. 7:21).

    “The church is hereby cautioned against misleading doctrines that have the potential to destroy the faith of vulnerable and well-meaning Christians. We should be mindful of false prophets and false teachers who claim to be the Messiah: ‘And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you ahead of time. So if anyone tells you, ‘There he is, out in the wilderness,’” the statement from the Christian Council of Ghana concluded.

    The statement highlighted that Christians should not base their faith solely on miracles and spectacular events, as these do not necessarily indicate divine selection.

    The Council condemned the statements made by Prophet Adom Kyei Duah as anti-Christ and urged Christians in Ghana to disregard them to protect their faith.

    The Council also warned against misleading doctrines that could harm the faith of sincere Christians and cautioned against false prophets and teachers claiming to be the Messiah, quoting biblical references to support their warning.

    Prophet Adom Kyei Duah recently claimed he had been instructed to replace all images of Jesus Christ with his own face for the next 500 years, a statement that sparked varied reactions on social media.

    “Listen to me, for the next 500 years, the images of Jesus you see on calendars and in pictures around. I have been instructed to replace it with my face,” he said.

  • Why I stopped going to church – ‎Ahuofe Patri reveals

    Why I stopped going to church – ‎Ahuofe Patri reveals

    Ghanaian actress Priscilla Opoku Agyeman, popularly known as Ahoufe Patri, has shared why she decided to stop attending church.

    In an interview on Joy Prime on May 29, 2024, Ahoufe Patri explained that she found Christians to be somewhat judgmental.

    She recounted being criticized by church members for her style of dressing, which she felt was excessive and ultimately led to her leaving the church.

    The actress noted that these comments distracted her from her main purpose of attending church, which was to worship God. She added that if she had been warmly welcomed instead of judged, her experience might have been different.

    “When people know you and you go to church, you know how our people are; it’s a little too much for me. It has happened to me twice where people commented on what I was wearing. I felt they could have approached it differently. I also felt we lost sight of the reason why I’m there—to worship God. Perhaps welcome me first,” she said.

  • I am very comfortable, confident in getting close to Christians – Bawumia

    I am very comfortable, confident in getting close to Christians – Bawumia

    Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia underscored the significance of peaceful coexistence among Ghanaians of diverse faiths and religions to foster national unity.

    As the presidential candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Bawumia expressed his confidence and ease in engaging with Christians, citing the teachings of the Holy Prophet Mohammed as guiding principles.

    “I don’t think that being a true Muslim means that you cannot get close to Christians. Nor do I see how being a true Christian means you cannot get close to Muslims,” he said.

    “Prophet Mohammed instructed Muslims to get closer to Christians among all the religions and faiths of this world. That is what the Prophet Mohammed said, and so I am very comfortable and confident in getting close to Christians.

    “My brothers and sisters are Christians, and I cannot say that I will not get close to them,” he added.

    Dr. Bawumia highlighted Prophet Mohammed’s teachings, encouraging Muslims to build connections with Christians. He emphasized his comfort and confidence in building relationships with Christians, as many of his acquaintances belong to that faith.

    Addressing clergy members in the Northern Region, Dr. Bawumia stressed the ongoing need to promote peaceful coexistence among various religious groups in Ghana.

    He noted that such harmony is essential in thwarting the infiltration and activities of jihadists, who exploit discord among followers of different faiths.

    “There are many people who are uncomfortable with us Muslims getting closer to Christians, and that is how jihadists and extremists benefit. We are a peaceful country, and we always get closer, so let us keep it that way,” he urged.

  • Ghana is not peaceful desipte 72% of population being Christians – Peace Council

    Ghana is not peaceful desipte 72% of population being Christians – Peace Council

    The National Peace Council (NPC) has raised concerns about the increasing level of insults and hate speech directed at clergy, politicians, chiefs, and other prominent individuals on radio and television stations in Ghana.

    The Council also highlighted the worrying trend of some political actors and religious militants, including Christians, advocating for violence.

    Reverend Dr. Ernest Adu-Gyamfi, Chairman of the National Peace Council, expressed these concerns, noting that the Church’s passive response and stakeholders’ reliance on the Council to address these issues neglect the Church’s duty and responsibility.

    He made these remarks at the 61st annual refresher course, retreat, and business session of the Ghana Baptist Convention Ministers’ Conference held in Ejura, Ashanti region.

    This year’s conference was held on the theme: “Ministerial Ethics, Accountability and Responsibility in the 21st Century Church.”

    Rev. Dr. Adu-Gyamfi mentioned that last year, Ghana lost its position as the most peaceful country in West Africa on the Global Peace Index to Sierra Leone. Additionally, Ghana dropped from being the second most peaceful country in Africa to the fourth position.

    “While the church in Ghana continues to glory in the fact that we have 72 percent Christians in Ghana, our numbers do not correspond to the peace, stability, and cohesion that one would have expected in a country with that number of Christians.

    “If 72 per cent Ghanaians are Christians, why are we on this trajectory”, he inquired.

    He said the leaders of the church had a responsibility to give direction to Ghana through their pulpits, adding that churches “could advocate through our Councils instead of allowing the media and politicians to dictate the pace and the future of our country.”

    Regarding the upcoming general election in December, he stated that the election would serve as a test for the peace, unity, stability, cohesion, and resilience of the country. Ministers of churches have a responsibility to preach and demonstrate peace for their congregation to emulate.

    “As individual leaders and collectively as a denomination, let us lead our nation through our ministerial ethics and accountability such that after this year’s election, there will not be a single bloodshed in the country.

    You have a responsibility as Ministers of the Gospel to protect the peace of our country by shaping the hearts and minds of Ghanaians towards peaceful co-existence, right behaviour, and politics without insults and violence”, he counselled.

    Administrator of the District Assemblies Common Fund, Mrs. Irene Naa Torshie Addo-Lartey, urged Ghanaians to champion tolerance and peace.

    She emphasized Ghana’s role as a beacon of democracy and called on leaders in politics and religion to ensure that democratic vibrancy is matched by civil discourse, fostering an atmosphere where diverse views are accepted and harmony prevails.

    President of the Baptist Ministers’ Conference, Rev. Dr. Charles Owusu Ampofo, urged the government to be prudent with its expenditure while ensuring that the citizenry receives a fair share of the national resources.

  • Christians in Gaza fear they won’t survive war

    Christians in Gaza fear they won’t survive war

    In the past month, there has been a lot of fighting in Gaza City. Pope Francis has been calling the priest and people who go to Holy Family Church to make sure they are okay.

    He prays and feels very sorry for the person.

    George Anton is staying in the church with his wife and three daughters. They feel a bit better when they hear from someone, but they don’t think it will help them stay safe.

    “We have faith in Pope Francis, but we feel discouraged because we doubt that other people will listen to the message of peace,” he says sadly. I can’t explain how I feel. It is extremely frightening. You feel like you are just sitting and waiting for it to be your turn to die. You don’t know the time, the way, or the reason.

    George, who works for the Roman Catholic charity Caritas, has had difficult discussions with his young daughters who are 8, 10, and 12 years old.

    I am explaining everything honestly to them. I tell people that we support Jesus, but I also inform them that they are in a fight. Sometimes, I leave to go buy bread, bring medicine or clothes. I always say “Goodbye” when I go. If I come back, everything is okay. If not, then that’s the end.

    He says that his girls cannot avoid or escape the terrible experiences of death and destruction.

    This is what 600 people in the church and on the internet are listening to. This is what they can see from the constant bombing in the area. They are too scared to sleep at night. The noise from the rockets is very loud and scary.
    When Israeli soldiers told over a million people living in the top part of the Gaza Strip to go to the bottom part, hundreds of thousands of them did not listen.

    A lot of people from the small group of Christians, around 1,000 people, decided to bring their families and stay in their churches. They believed that staying there would keep them safe, as they have been during previous conflicts between Israel and the Palestinian armed groups.

    After the church building was hit by a powerful Israeli air strike, the feeling of safety was completely gone.

    The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem said the attack was a very serious crime like a war. Israel’s military said it attacked a Hamas base that was close by and used to launch rockets.

    In a sad setting, the bodies of people who were crushed to death were placed in white sheets in the church courtyard for a funeral on October 20th. 18 Christian women, men, and children were murdered.

    In the West Bank, churches have held special prayers to support and stand with the people in Gaza who are going through difficult times. They also remember those who have lost their lives. Many Christian people from Gaza have family here, but it has been difficult for them to see each other because of the permit system in Israel.

    At a church in Beit Sahour, Shireen Awwad lights a candle for her aunt who died in St Porphyrius.

    I feel extremely sad and upset. “I can’t think, I can’t move,” she says.
    Shireen has relatives in Gaza City, including cousins, uncles, and an aunt. Sadly, her aunt got injured in a church explosion and had to undergo hip replacement surgery without anesthesia at Shifa Hospital. This was because there weren’t enough medical supplies available.

    She says her family members are proud people from Gaza who have lived there even during multiple wars.

    Every time we asked them if they wanted to leave, they would say no because these are our roots. “This is the place we were born,” Shireen says. However, this time is different because, for the first time, they are uncertain about whether they want to continue staying or if they will even survive.

    The small coastal strip has had a Christian population for a very long time. Porphyrius was a bishop in the fifth century. He is buried under the church.

    A lot of Christians have left, especially after Hamas took over Gaza in 2007. Israel, just like many other countries, considers the Islamist movement to be a terrorist group. Egypt and another country put a very severe restriction on what can go in and out of Gaza after the takeover.

    Reverend Munther Isaac, who is a pastor in Bethlehem, feels very shocked and emotionally hurt after witnessing events in Gaza.

    He is also worried about what will happen to one of the oldest Christian communities in the world.

    “He says that there were people from the Church in Gaza in the first council of Churches. ” We care about everyone’s life, but our biggest worry is that the long-standing Christian tradition in Gaza might stop.

    Pope Francis wants the fighting to stop, but Palestinian Christians are upset with what other Church leaders, like Justin Welby, have said about the war. Justin Welby is the leader of the Church of England and the spiritual leader of millions of Anglicans.

    In Gaza City, there was a building called the Greek Orthodox Cultural Centre. It was destroyed by Israeli shelling last week. A person named George Anton is very sad and feels hopeless as he watches the destruction.

    We are good people who have done nothing wrong. We don’t have anything to do with politics or military actions at all. We are regular people. “Why would anyone want to target us. What are they targeting us for. ” He wonders

    We have had many friends who are not our friends anymore. Some people moved to Khan Younis to live with their family members, but unfortunately, they all died. They were hit by a rocket and all the buildings fell down on top of them. They are all gone, but we don’t have time to be upset.

    Every day, you hear that someone died, a family and a home were destroyed, and an institution was eliminated. We cannot take all of this.

    Finally, he promises to remain in the church with his loved ones.

    “He said we’ve been getting many calls to leave, but we won’t go. ” This is our rightful place. This is where we live.

  • Christians advised to buy Bibles in their native languages

    Christians advised to buy Bibles in their native languages

    The Reverend Dr. Kennedy Owiredu, who serves as the Translation Manager at the Bible Society of Ghana, has recommended that Christians acquire a Bible in their native dialects to attain a more precise comprehension of the Scriptures. He stressed that this practice would additionally contribute to the preservation and transmission of their local languages to the succeeding generation.

    Reverend Dr. Owiredu shared these insights during the 2023 Translation and Trauma Healing Seminar held at Sefwi-Dwenase Pentecost Central in the Waiwso Municipality of the Western North Region.

    The seminar attended by pastors, church leaders and Local Council of churches within the Western North Region was on the theme: “Bible Translation and Mother -tongue Interpretation for Pulpit Ministry.”

    Reverend Dr. Owiredu emphasized that one of the primary responsibilities of the Bible Society of Ghana is to translate the Bible into local languages. He encouraged pastors, church leaders, and religious groups to adopt the use of the local Bible in their respective congregations. He expressed concern that without practical measures, many local languages would gradually fade away, as the present generation fails to pass them down to the youth, who represent the future.

    Reverend Owiredu also expressed apprehension about the growing trend in some churches that completely disregard the use of the local Bible during their services. He advised such churches to begin incorporating the local Bible into their worship, stating, “The Lord we serve communicates in all our local dialects.”

    He called upon the media to support the campaign for Bible translation into various languages by reaching out to the Bible Society for relevant information.

    Miss Afua Addae Adjeii-Authur, the Western North Regional Manager of the Bible Society of Ghana, added that they had identified groups supporting people in learning and writing the Sehwi language. Since 2020, they had graduated three groups in Wiawso, Bekwai, and Nkwadum areas, with plans to extend to Akontombra and surrounding areas. This initiative aimed to encourage residents to utilize the Bible, which had been translated into the Sehwi language. She further expressed hopes that the Sehwi language would become a subject in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and mentioned engagement with traditional authorities and stakeholders to make this a reality.

    Participants interviewed by the Ghana News Agency commended the Bible Society of Ghana for the seminar and expressed support for the idea of translating the Bible into local languages. They also urged church leaders to make an effort to incorporate the local Bible into their worship services.

  • Let’s promote inter-faith unity for peaceful development – Chief Imam to Ghanaians

    Let’s promote inter-faith unity for peaceful development – Chief Imam to Ghanaians

    The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharabutu, has emphasized the importance of enhanced peace and unity among inter-faith religions worldwide.

    Sheikh Sharabutu noted that fostering peace and unity would ensure progress and desirable development.

    The Chief Imam made this pronouncement when the leadership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, paid a courtesy call on him at his residence at Fadama in Accra.

    The visit was to appreciate the effort of the National Chief Imam as a model of peace and hope to the people as well as seek knowledge, and blessings and strengthen relationships with him and the Muslim community.

    The courtesy call was also to discuss and provide assistance to the Chief Imam in his developmental and humanitarian agenda.

    The National Chief Imam said it was necessary to be at peace with each other, the ideal way of ensuring total development and progress among nations.

    He said: “Muslims and Christians are from the same creator as one family. We all came from Adam and Eve as one people. Coming from different tribes and nations is to help us appreciate each other.

    “We also need to make progress in empowering the youth and address unemployment challenges to enable them to contribute to the development of the country through peace, unity and knowledge sharing.”

    Elder Gerrit Walter Gong, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, expressed gratitude to the Chief Imam for the opportunity and affirmed the importance of unity among all to foster the needed development.

    He said: “We share facts about common feelings for all of us being one family, going back to Adam and Eve and the need to help other people, particularly the rising generation and to give our youth hope, knowledge and discipline for their future.”

    Elder Gong, described the Chief Imam as a remarkable and wise man who had spent his life in service to humanity, adding “This is my first visit, but we felt very close to him, we share in his vision in propelling development and progress.”

    Elder Stanley Gifford Nielsen, President, Africa West Area, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said the meeting between the two religions had demonstrated a sense of togetherness, key in promoting a common agenda to bring light, happiness and joy to the people, specifically the younger generation.

    He said the church was looking forward to collaborating and assisting the Chief Imam in his developmental agenda for the benefit of the Muslim community.

    A meeting between the two is expected to convene after the Eid-Ul-Adha celebrations.

  • 5 Muslim students drag schools to court; demand $300k over hijab discrimination

    5 Muslim students drag schools to court; demand $300k over hijab discrimination

    Female Muslim students from five schools in The Gambia have taken legal action against their schools at the high court in Banjul, after accusing them of “forcefully” removing their veils.

    Some of the schools in the lawsuit are Christian but most of their students are Muslims.

    The pupils said the alleged actions of their schools caused them emotional distress and embarrassment and are demanding compensation of more than $300,000 (£238,000).

    The students added that the alleged incidents violated their fundamental human rights and subjected them to harassment.

    They are also demanding authorities pass a law to allow them to wear veils in schools.

    The BBC contacted the principal of one of the schools, but they refused to comment.

    The Gambia is a majority Muslim country but also has a minority Christian population.

  • Bortianor: Many feared trapped as three-storey building collapses

    Bortianor: Many feared trapped as three-storey building collapses

    Rescue activities are in full swing to retrieve individuals feared trapped in a rubble after a three-storey building collapsed at Bortianor, Greater Accra Region.

    The building which collapsed on Tuesday, May 9 is said to serve as an edifice where Christians gather to worship.

    It is reported that some church members were in the building when the disaster struck.

    Personnel from the Ghana Police Service have been spotted at the scene. Reinforcement has been called from the Ghana National Fire Service and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO).

    More soon…

  • Reduce the backlog of divorce cases – Martin Kpebu tells new CJ nominee

    Reduce the backlog of divorce cases – Martin Kpebu tells new CJ nominee

    Martin Kpebu, a constitutional lawyer based in Accra, has recommended that the country’s new Chief Justice (CJ), Mrs. Gertrude Torkonoo, use her time in office to establish additional divorce courts in order to reduce the backlog of divorce cases.

    He said the situation of the backlog of divorce cases is a significant cause of worry for lawyers.

    He explained that divorce courts are few in the country.

    He said because divorce courts are few, it takes about two to three years to dispense justice in the country.

    He narrated that Accra has only three divorce courts hence the need for the new CJ to establish more of these courts to help deal with the rising cases of divorce.

    He said there is the Land Court, Commercial Court, divorce court and general court and the divorce courts are always inundated with cases.

    Mr Kpebu made this suggestion to the new CJ while speaking in an interview on the mid-day news on Accra 100.5 FM on Thursday, April 27, 2023.

    “We claim we are Christians but go to the divorce court and see what is happening there, the courts are overwhelmed with people seeking divorce over child support and upkeep,” he said.

    He stressed more and more young people who claim to be Christians are seeking divorce over issues that can be addressed at home.

  • 1,500-year-old Bible chapter resurfaces

    1,500-year-old Bible chapter resurfaces

    After 1,500 years, a lost Bible chapter has finally been discovered.

    The Secret poems chapter was discovered in a third-century manuscript at the Vatican Library.

    It includes a new translation of Matthew‘s Gospel chapters 11 through 12.

    Only after employing ultraviolet photography inside Matthew’s Gospel were researchers able to find the ancient Syriac text.

    When Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath, his followers became hungry and started to gather the grain’s heads to eat, according to Matthew, a disciple of Jesus.

    The newly found version, however, reads as follows: “At that time, Jesus proceeded through the grainfields on the Sabbath, and his disciples became hungry and began to ask him for food.

    But the newly discovered translation reads: ‘At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath and his disciples became hungry and began to pick the heads of grain, rub them in their hands, and eat them.’

    A scribe apparently erased the chapter whilst it was being written.

    Only one segment of the recovered text has been released to the public so far.

    Reading Holy Bible
    Only one segment has been released to the public so far (Picture: Getty Images)

    Grigory Kessel, who made the discovery, told DailyMail.com: ‘The Gospel text found in this reused manuscript contains the so-called Old Syriac translations of the Gospels. 

    ‘This Old Syriac translation quite often attests the Gospel text that is different from the standard Gospel text as we know it today.’

    The Gospel of Matthew forms the core of the 27 books of the New Testament.

    Matthew’s section begins describing the birth of Jesus and also includes early correspondence between Church leaders and Christians.

  • Good Christians don’t listen to secular songs – Gospel singer

    Good Christians don’t listen to secular songs – Gospel singer

    The mark of a true Christian is the ability to dedicate one’s life to Christ by shunning away from things of the world, including secular music as this does not glorify God.

    Gospel singer, Mose OK has discouraged believers from listening to worldly songs. His latest call reiterated the need for Christians to meditate on the word and listen to songs that only feed the soul with messages from the scriptures.

    “You can’t listen to songs that do not carry the word of God, songs that don’t correspond with the scriptures. That’s why I don’t encourage people to listen to secular songs,” the Ghanaian gospel singer hammered.

    Mose OK sounded this alarm in his interview with Victor Kodom of Onua TV. He added: “You can’t listen to any song as a believer, emphasizes good Christians. I’m not talking about those who just call themselves Christians, I’m talking about those who have the spirit of God in them.”

    On the account of Moses OK, spirit-filled music shapes the life of a Christian and directs his path. It is therefore not right to consume secular music as a good Christian.

    “You have to listen to Gospel songs because whenever you consume music, the words come directly to your heart, which forms and frames your life. That’s the reason why God himself gave us his word, which is light onto our path,” he added.

  • Christians pray for things made by unbelievers to show off to unbelievers that they are blessed

    Christians pray for things made by unbelievers to show off to unbelievers that they are blessed

    The previous week, I had a passing thought and impression which must have been born out of years of observation. It slipped out of my jaws and I went further to write it,drawing reactions from discerning people,mostly Christians.

    Many affirmed my observation and found it in-depth. Religion is such a delicate subject, so it is prudent for one to tread cautiously when running commentary of any sort on it. People may go to varying extents to do incredible and ridiculous things in the name of their faith than they may do for the love of money(arguable). It is not part of my intentions to bring any form of disrepute to the faith I and many have subscribed to for several years, however from a panoramic view, this reflection is quite accurate.

    Still wondering what the heck I wrote to still be winding around words? here it is ,”As Christians,we pray to God for things made by unbelievers to prove to unbelievers that we are the favorites of God”.I choose to call that “the irony of a paradoxical life”.

    From our homes to our religious grounds, we have lived off the geniusness of people we finger as “unbelievers ” and unworthy of our company and presence. Moreover, we pray earnestly to God to bless us with material things made predominantly made by unbelievers, and when we by any means acquire them, we flaunt it to show unbelievers we a blessed by God.

    In effect, material possessions of unbelievers have unrepentantly being the benchmark for our blessings and measure of success. For instance, our pastors and religious heads as a status symbol, may be wearing suits by Versace, a design founded by a gay genius on their pulpits to read a Bible that speaks against homosexuality.

    Have we had a reflection about the ego and status boosting iPhones we clamor for? Isn’t the successful company run by Tim Cook a known gay? I am not canvassing for support or doing advocacy for any sexual orientation or expressiveness though.

    Karl Benz, an unreligious inventor’s Mercedes-Benz, is what most Christians may acquire as we claim to be drenched by heavenly showers of blessings.Is this not double standards?

    I can go on with my analysis for long,however it may be needless as my point has been conveyed in simplicity.
    We seek approval and validation from unbelievers,using things made by unbelievers to prove that we are blessed by God in a world that has unbelievers as the richest and arguably the most successful.

    Although we keep contradicting ourselves because of various reasons, I believe clarity may come someday and love will be our ultimate religion.
    Long live mother Ghana,long live Africa.

    Source: Dumenu Charles Selorm

    DISCLAIMER: Independentghana.com will not be liable for any inaccuracies contained in this article. The views expressed in the article are solely those of the author’s, and do not reflect those of The Independent Ghana

  • Be true ambassadors of Christ – Chief of Staff urges Christians

    Be true ambassadors of Christ – Chief of Staff urges Christians

    The Chief of Staff of the Office at the Presidency, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, has called on Christians to be true ambassadors of Christ by showcasing the virtues of diligence and faithfulness.

    In addition, she said, they should exhibit honesty, selflessness and sacrifice wherever they found themselves.

    Mrs Osei-Opare said that in an address read on her behalf at the opening of the Second Quadrennial Regional Women’s Home and Overseas Missionary Society Convention of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Zion Church in Accra yesterday.

    Event

    The five-day convention is on the theme: “Empowering Women for Missions with Love”.

    The event aims at exploring ways that missionary ladies of the church could better equip themselves individually and collectively to effectively reach out to the masses with the gospel.

    It is also to explore ways and opportunities to undertake their divine responsibilities of feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting prisoners, teaching the ignorant, sheltering the homeless, among others.

    The opening ceremony attracted representatives of other sister churches who also gave solidarity messages.

    Premium

    Mrs Osei-Opare acknowledged the high premium placed on education by the AME Zion Church, adding that it was born out of her belief that knowledge, skills and competencies gained from education were prerequisite for any nation to achieve meaningful and sustainable development.

    “The church thus deserves special commendation for the progress made in the area of primary and secondary education. You have established to your credit over 641 basic schools and four senior high schools,” she said.

    She also made mention of vocational institutions set up by the church and said: “This investment in human capital through education has not been without impact”.

    Moreover, the Chief of Staff said the church had produced men and women of character and exceptional qualities who had carved a niche for themselves in both the public and private sectors of the country and beyond.

    Aside from education, she said, the church also contributed in the area of health.

    Opportunity

    Also in an address, the Missionary Supervisor of the AME Zion Church, Cynthia Serwaa Dogbe, said members should pursue opportunities of using modern trends and technology in pursuing their missionary agenda for the glory of God.

    “Let us embrace opportunities for change and learn new ways of doing things and empower our people as we strive to fulfil the great commission,” she said.

    The Western West Africa Episcopal District (WWAED) of the church comprised seven annual conferences in Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Liberia and Togo.

    “I can readily recall the school supplies project undertaken by missionaries and through which we have supplied exercise books, pens, mathematical sets, school uniforms and desks to students in our basic schools in the episcopal area. Missionaries have undertaken visits to the aged, sick and the shut-ins with their donations,” she said, and added that “in similar fashion, they have visited orphanages and hospitals, particularly, maternity units to make donations and also encourage persons there with the word of God”.

    Mrs Dogbe also mentioned the initiative project known as Western West Africa Episcopal District Life Member Grant, which was to provide financial support to brilliant, needy female students in schools and colleges.

    “So far, three females and one male student in the Ghana Conferences, and also our female students seminarians at the Trinity Theological Seminary in Ghana have benefited and we hope to extend this grant to other conferences. I must acknowledge that our missionaries in the Ghana conferences have also continued with the annual food and other material support for our seminary students” she said.

    The Presiding Bishop of the WWAED of the AME Zion Church, Rt Rev. Dr Hilliard Dogbe, said, among other things, that God had kept faith with the church.

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Many Christians are being destroyed because of man-made prophecies – Mensa Otabil

    Many Christians are being destroyed because of man-made prophecies – Mensa Otabil

    Pastor Mensa Otabil has expressed his fury over how some men of God are destroying the Christian faith by conjuring man-made prophecies.

    The General Overseer of the International Central Gospel Church in his sermon on Sunday, January 8, 2023, noted that some Christians have lost their faith in God as a result of pastors who act contrary to what they preach.

    “Many Christians are being destroyed because we see too much lawlessness in the church. Prophecies that are man-made,” the preacher man said.

    He added, “lawless behaviour and sometimes people go to church and they know that the man of God they go to hear does not leave to expectation, he is dishonest, deceptive.”

    According to him, some Christian leaders hide behind the popular quote ‘touch not my anointed’ to commit so many abominable acts like going to bed with their church members.

    “Sometimes they [the members] know that the man of God is sleeping with the girls in the church but they say touch, not the anointed,” Mensah Otabil said.

    “People go to church but they don’t love God any longer. They’ve become sceptics. When a sermon is preached they would say forget about it. They hear the bible being thought, they say they’re all the same, close it and sleep,” Pastor Otabil stressed.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Use COVID-19 approach to support the needy – Rev Opuni Frimpong to Christians

    Former General Secretary for the Christian council, Rev Opuni Frimpong, has urged Christian bodies to support the needy in society amidst the current economic crisis.

    The man of God admonished that, the welfare body of the various churches should support life-saving individuals who are at the verge of losing their lives due to certain circumstances.

    Citing the COVID-19 period as an example, Rev Opuni said that during those difficult times, Christians were supporting the needy people in society, with relief items. He believes this needs to be replicated in a difficult period like this.

    “The churches are the ones that receive offerings and tithe payments from people during prosperous times. And we also plan our welfare, the churches should go back to the drawing board to consider how to support others in need.

    “Since we already have welfare, we should apply the COVID approach to help people in need, because during times like this, people are unable to even buy their medications. This is more than COVID, when the church shared relief items to individuals,” Rev. Opuni said during an interview on Okay FM’s Adea Kye Bia morning show.

  • Christians must rise up to fight Ghana’s endemic corruption – GCCI Chairman-elect

    The Chairman-elect of the Ghana National Council of the Great Commission Church International (GCCI), Apostle Samuel Vincent Ansah, has charged all citizens particularly Christians to stand up and lead the fight against corruption.

    He explained that there is a huge responsibility on the body of Christ because it forms the larger population of the country and therefore requires Christians take the forefront in this fight, as it will have a rippling effect across the nation.

    Speaking to GhanaWeb after the commissioning service of the church’s pastors in Accra on Sunday, November 27, 2022, Apostle Samuel Ansah stressed that the religious institutions must begin to walk in its function of living lives worth emulating.

    He added that there is the need for Christians to work hard towards the fight against corruption, which he described as endemic.

    “Our function is to pray, and our function is to lead the kind of life that will ensure that we come out because there is a lot of talk about corruption; it’s not just a talk – it is something that as you go through this nation, you go through schools, you go through institutions, the universities, the ministries, everything we have, you find out that corruption is endemic and to some extent, it will become a pandemic,” he said.

    Apostle Samuel Ansah added that if indeed Ghana’s population is composed of more Christians than other religious faiths, then it behooves on the church to emulate traits that are synonymous with its teachings.

    “Everybody is worried because once there is corruption, our visions and dreams as a nation become compromised and we are not able to succeed. Therefore, as Christians, it is important that our lives shine. We should be first and foremost against corruption. Our lifestyles, our functions in offices, in institutions, in the structures of this nation should be corruption-free.

    “And gradually, if we are 71%, then if we begin to function well and our lives begin to shine well, within a short time, you’ll find that this country will change for the better; our economic woes will dwindle, and this nation will begin to function and be successful,” he added.

    In all, there were 51 permanent elders of the church inducted into the church, with seven (7) reverend ministers ordained as well.

    The newly-elected executives are: Apostle Samuel Vincent Ansah, Chairman; Apostle Richard K. Adanu, First Vice Chairman in-charge of Missions; Rev Moses Pinkrah, Second Vice Chairman in-charge of Finance and Administration; Rev Samuel Arthur, Director of Evangelism;

    Others include; Rev Emmanuel Oppong, Director of Ministries; Rev Charles Samerset Adanunyo Director of Church Life; Rev Stephen Toku Cato, Director of Finance; and Rev Alex Obeng Oguamena, Director of Personnel.

  • IS video said to show Nigerian Christian executions

    The Islamic State group has published a video which it says shows the execution of 20 Christian civilians in north-eastern Nigeria’s Borno state.

    Speaking in the Hausa language, one of the masked militants who was brandishing a knife said it was to avenge the killing of the group’s leaders in the Middle East earlier this year.

    The BBC has not been able to verify the contents of the video or where the footage was shot.

    It was published on an IS-linked news outlet and shows three groups of captives in civilian clothes.

    The authorities have not yet commented on the video.

    The IS militants, which operate in the Lake Chad region under the name Islamic State West Africa Province (Iswap), along with another Islamist militant group, Boko Haram, have recently suffered huge losses as a result of attacks by a multi-national military force.

    Such military campaigns in the past have usually been followed by propaganda videos from the extremist groups.

    Source: BBC

  • Coronavirus: Christians face lockdown for Easter

    Europe’s Christians are facing an extraordinary Easter under lockdown, with traditionally large congregations replaced by live-streamed services.

    On Friday the Vatican will Livestream Pope Francis’s celebration of the Passion in St Peter’s Basilica and prayer of the Stations of the Cross.

    Portugal has not been hit as badly as Spain and Italy by a coronavirus, but has now ordered people to stay at home, with police roadblocks to cut travel.

    Poland has also imposed strict curbs.

    The Pope’s Palm Sunday mass took place behind closed doors at St. Peter’s on 5 April, with just a few people attending.

    Poland, where Easter is usually marked by a huge outpouring of the Catholic faith, has closed its borders, as well as schools, shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

    Deputy Health Minister Waldemar Kraska said some restrictions would be eased after Easter to “turn on the economy a little”, but he did not elaborate.

    ‘Nature never forgives’ In an interview with The Tablet, the Pope said humanity must draw lessons from the Covid-19 crisis, calling it a time to reconnect with nature.

    “Let us not file it away and go back to where we were. This is the time to take the decisive step, to move from using and misusing nature to contemplating it,” he said.

    He cited a Spanish expression: “God always forgives, we forgive sometimes, but nature never forgives”, and lamented the devastating wildfires in Australia and melting of polar ice attributed to global warming.

    He also condemned the “hypocrisy” of certain politicians – not named – who spoke about tackling the pandemic and hunger in the world, “but who in the meantime manufacture weapons”.

    On a more positive note, he praised “the saints who live next door” – people like medics, volunteers and priests who were serving the community, to keep society functioning.

    Describing the impact on him personally, the Pope said he was praying more and Vatican staff were working in shifts, to practice social distancing. They were relying on technology to reduce meetings, he added.

    Milan, the city at the epicenter of the crisis in Italy, will reach out to Christians on Easter Sunday with a performance by tenor Andrea Bocelli in its empty cathedral, the Duomo.

    The broadcast of sacred music will be streamed on YouTube. Bocelli, quoted by AFP news agency, said it would be “a prayer then, for Milan and for the world, in front of an absolutely painful, tragic and unsettling event”.

    More than 9,000 of the 17,669 deaths in Italy have been in Lombardy, the northern region with Milan as its capital.

    Source: bbc.com