Anglican Church in Ghana consecrates two new Bishops

 From Ghana-

The Anglican Church in Ghana has consecrated two Bishops in Kumasi to lead the Tamale and the Dunkwa-on-Offin Dioceses of the church. 

The consecrated Bishops are Venerable Canon Dennis Debukari Tong for the Tamale Diocese and Rev. Canon Paul Appiah-Sekyere for the Dunkwa-on-Offin Diocese.

The principal consecrator and celebrant was the Archbishop and Primate of West Africa, the Most Rev. Dr Jonathan Bonaparte B. Hart, with other Bishops of the Church of the Province of West Africa as co-consecrators and celebrants.

The Archbishop per the traditions of the church, demanded the mandate for the consecration of which was read out by the Registrar of the Church of the Province of West Africa, and the constituent of legal teams of the two Dioceses presented the legal instruments for the two Bishops elect.

More here-

https://www.ghanabusinessnews.com/2019/09/24/anglican-church-in-ghana-consecrates-two-new-bishops/

Anglican Diocese of Tamale elects new bishop

From Ghana-

Venerable Canon Dennis Tong, Parish Priest of the Saint Cyprian Anglican Church in Bolgatanga has been elected the Bishop of the Tamale Diocese of the Anglican Church.

He takes over from the Right Reverend Dr Jacob Kofi Ayeebo, who died in February this year.

Venerable Tong polled 74 votes out of a total of 111 delegates who cast their votes, to beat his main contestant, Very Reverend Clement Azure, Dean of the Cathedral, who got 37 votes after the two were picked from three contestants to contest the final round, having contested a first round election and failed to meet the constitutional requirement of two thirds of total votes cast.

The election was described by the delegates as wonderfully peaceful, soberly conducted and spirit filled.

The delegates were drawn from the 14 parishes comprising 34 outstations made up of 40 clergy and 81 laity who constituted the Electoral College.

More here-

https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/religion/Anglican-Diocese-of-Tamale-elects-new-bishop-762350

Anglican Bishop assures congregation of God’s favour

From Ghana-

The Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Tamale, the Right Reverend Dr Jacob Kofi Ayeebo, on Sunday reassured members of his congregation to rekindle their relationship in Christ to win his favour as the new year begins.
He said “It is legitimate as humans to worry about life’s problems. However, as Christians, we have our hopes in Christ and so we need not worry about our health, business, marriage and other things that will deter us from our relationship with Christ”.
The Bishop gave the assurance when he preached the sermon at the Saint Cyprian Anglican Parish in Bolgatanga.
According to the Bishop “We must learn to place our trust in the Lord and commit our problems to him. He is always ready to receive our problems and solve them”.

More here-

https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Anglican-Bishop-assures-congregation-of-God-s-favour-713174

Stop criticising building of National Cathedral — Most Rev. Prof. Yinkah-Sarfo

From Ghana-

The Anglican Bishop of Kumasi, the Most Reverend Professor Daniel Yinkah Sarfo, has waded into the argument surrounding the building of the National Cathedral and has urged naysayers who have no idea about the purpose of the edifice to “shut up”.

He chastised those kicking against the laudable initiative.

He said he was baffled how people, including some Christians, were distorting the tenacity of the edifice, which when completed would be used for all religious and state gatherings.

In an interview after the first session of the 19th Synod at the St Cyprian's Cathedral in Kumasi at the weekend, Rev. Yinkah-Sarfo explained that the project was just being facilitated by the government but was being financed by religious bodies, individuals and philanthropists, and declared the spiritual and financial support of the Anglican Church towards the realisation of the edifice.

More here-

https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/politics/stop-criticising-building-of-national-cathedral.html

Preach against greed, selfishness and corruption – Anglican Clergy

From Ghana-

Churches operating within the country have been urged to preach boldly against greed, selfishness and corruption in the quest to holistically develop the country.

They are also to encourage their members to eschew all forms of immoral and deviant behaviours and rather serve as role models to their peers at homes or work environment.

 

The Venerable Emmanuel Mensah, Chairman of the Ghana Anglican Clergy Association (GACA) stated this in an eight point communique copied to the Ghana News Agency,  after the 10th  Biennial Conference of the Association in Takoradi in the Western Region.

 

The conference was on the theme: “Nation Building and the Bible: the Role of the Anglican Priest”.

The communique intimated that the GACA had seen nation building as a collaborative effort by the citizenry and other key stakeholders to deliver on the aspirations and visions of the country and therefore the government must strive to harness both human and natural resources for wealth creation and development.

 

More here-

 

https://www.ghanabusinessnews.com/2018/08/25/preach-against-greed-selfishness-and-corruption-anglican-clergy/

 

 

Anglican Church ordains five into priesthood

From Ghana-

The Anglican Diocese of Tamale under the leadership of Rt. Reverend Dr. Jacob Ayeebo has ordained five newly trained ministers into priesthood.

At a packed service held at the St Johns Anglican Church at Yelwoko in the Upper East Region, Rt. Rev Ayeebo challenged the clergy to remain courageous and stand by the biblical principles to expose the social ills of the country.
He observed that the high level of lawlessness coupled with the blatant misuse of state resources among other immoral acts requires the support of the clergy in dealing with such social issues aside evangelism.

Correspondent Isaac Asare witnessed the ceremony and filed the following report for Radio Ghana.

The ceremony to usher in the five newest ordinances in the Anglican Communion was held under the distinguished patronage of the Episcopal Diocesan Bishop of Oklahoma in the United States, Rt. Rev Dr Edward Koniecryn.


More here-

http://www.gbcghana.com/1.11498746

Prophets of Doom Should 'Shut Up' - Anglican Bishop

From Ghana-

Most Rev Daniel Yinkah Sarfo, Archbishop Primate of the Anglican Church of the Province of West Africa, has asked all prophets of doom in Ghana to shut up because God has done a lot of good for the country for which he deserves commendation.

According to him, the peace Ghanaians have enjoyed over the years following successive changes in government alone should be reason for Ghanaians, including prophets, to be thankful to God instead of always prophesying doom for the country.

His comments come at a time Prophet Reindorf Oduro Gyebi, founder of God's Crown Chapel in Daaban, a suburb of Kumasi in the Ashanti Region, claimed that he prophesied about the Kintampo Waterfall accident that has killed 18 students a week ago.

Prophet Gyebi, in a follow-up interview with Chief Jerry Forson, host of Ghana Yensom, on Accra100.5FM on Monday 20 March, indicated that there was going to be more of such calamities in the country.

More here-

http://allafrica.com/stories/201703220519.html

Anglican Bishop urges “prodigal” members to return home

From Ghana-

All aggrieved members of the Sekondi Diocese of the Anglican Church who for one reason or the other left the church years ago have been urged to reconsider their decision and come back home.

The newly ordained Diocesan Bishop, Rt.Rev Alexander Kobina Asmah, made the call last week, by reminding such members that there was no place like home and that "home sweet home.”

Speaking at the first session of the 5th Diocesan Synod, Bishop Asmah said it was about time all aggrieved members buried whatever differences or ill-feelings they might have harboured in the past and come back home to join hands with their brethren in the service of God and humanity.

More here-

http://www.thestatesmanonline.com/index.php/news/3168-anglican-bishop-urges-prodigal-members-to-return-home

Anglican Bishop Kicks Against Corruption

From Ghana-

The Right Reverend Francis Benjamin Quashie, Anglican Bishop of the Koforidua, has called for all-out-war against corruption – an awesome challenge to good governance and development.

He asked that the clergy, civil society organizations and everybody, joined the fight to check unethical conduct, bribery, theft and misapplication of state funds.

In his New Year message to Ghanaians, he indicated that this was the way forward to ensure rapid progress and reduce poverty.

It was important, all accepted to work together to build a society based on the values of transparency and accountability, he added.

More here-

https://www.newsghana.com.gh/anglican-bishop-kicks-against-corruption/

Clergy urged to be more involved in politics

From Ghana-

A Former Rector of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Prof. Stephen Adei, has asked the clergy to get involved in issue-based politics that would transform the country.

He also urged the church to speak against the unjust structures and mechanisms in society that made it possible for corruption to triumph.

“Church members pay tax and so the clergy must be interested in how the resources that accrue from such taxes are utilised. The Church must not sit unconcerned when some politicians make irresponsible comments that could spark violence,” he added.

More here-

http://www.graphic.com.gh/news/politics/clergy-urged-to-be-more-involved-in-politics.html

Don’t entertain homosexuality- Religious Leaders warned

From Ghana-

Religious leaders have been warned not to entertain the practice of homosexuality among church members.

The Archdeacon of the Accra North Parish Priest of All Saints Anglican Church at Adabraka, Venerable Edmund Mensah Tetteh, gave the warning on Saturday during an ordination ceremony at the St Mary’s Virgin Anglican Church at James Town.

He said “homosexuality is filthy and satanic” and that Christians, especially the clergy, should not associate it with Christian religion.

“The clergy should stand firm and say no to the practice of homosexuality because those pushing the agenda into the Christian religion are ready to do everything possible to influence us,” he said.

More here-

http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Don-t-entertain-homosexuality-Religious-Leaders-warned-387441

Anglican Bishop calls for religious tolerance

From Ghana-

Right Reverend Dr Daniel Sylvanus Mensah Torto, Bishop of the Anglican Diocese, Accra has called for religious tolerance across the various religious groups in Ghana.

He said the world has become a global village with the aid of the advancement of technology and people with different nationality; race or religion could no longer escape living together.

Bishop Torto said this at the opening of the first session of the 22nd Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Accra on the theme: "Stand Firm in the faith."

He said the two dominant religions in Ghana- Christianity and Islam have over the years lived in peaceful co-existence and wondered what has changed in recent times.

More here-

http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/religion/Anglican-Bishop-calls-for-religious-tolerance-370377

Ghana’s social, economic misfortunes are caused by moral decadence – Anglican Bishop

From Ghana-

The Right Reverend Festus Yeboah Asuamah, the Anglican Bishop of Sunyani, has said the social and economic misfortunes the country was experiencing were the consequences of moral decadence in the society.

He recounted that indulgences in nepotism, bribery and corruption, greed, selfishness and acts of immorality, had often brought God’s judgment on nations in the past, and the country would not be spared if Ghanaians did not change their negative ways of life.

Addressing the second session of the Fourth Synod of the Diocese in Sunyani, Rt. Rev Asuamah emphasized that the recent flood and fuel explosion in Accra were an indication that the country had lost God’s favour.

More here-

https://www.ghanabusinessnews.com/2015/06/21/ghanas-social-economic-misfortunes-are-caused-by-moral-decadence-anglican-bishop/

Obiano fetes Anglican Communion Bishops

From Ghana-

THE governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, has taken steps to strengthen the existing relationship between his administration and religious organisations, especially the Anglican Communion, in the state.

Governor Obiano, at a dinner he organised for Archbishops and Bishops of the Anglican Communion at the Banquet Hall of the Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia, described the Church and government as partners in progress in the task of changing lives and building a virile society.

The governor expressed the belief that a healthy relationship with all denominations will avail his administration of the much-needed peace and spiritual backing to actualise its lofty dreams for the state.

More here-

http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/2015/04/obiano-fetes-anglican-communion-bishops/

Presby Ghana And Same Sex Marriages: Is African Church Moving Forward Or Backward?

From Ghana-

This question has been burning in my mind since I heard that the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (Presby Ghana) has reportedly broken ties with the branch in the United States over the issue of homosexuality. The Moderator of the Ghana branch, Rev Prof Emmanuel Martey, announced a severance of ties while reacting to the recent recognition of same sex marriage by the Presbyterian Church in the US. This is clearly a step backward for a church that should be moving forward.

Any intelligent observer of church practices in the region should have noticed a very disturbing trend that is emerging in African christianity. Yes, an unfortunate pattern is forming and firming up throughout the continent. That is the sanctification of homophobia. Gay hate is has become an article of faith. The hatred and persecution of same sex couples is becoming a characteristic feature of African Christianity. All people of conscience in the region should denounce and oppose this dangerous and backward trend.

More here-

http://saharareporters.com/2015/03/23/presby-ghana-and-same-sex-marriages-african-church-moving-forward-or-backward-leo-igwe

Ghanaians must support measures to fight Ebola - Archbishop of Canterbury

From Ghana-

The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Portal Welby, has encouraged Ghanaians not to be scared of the Ebola disease but rather face the reality of its existence and support the measures being taken to seal it.

Most Rev. Welby said there was no medically demonstrated magic treatment for the disease, and thus urged Ghanaians to watch out for the signs or symptoms for early treatment.

He made this known during an interview with the Daily Graphic at the residence of the British High Commissioner, Mr Jon Benjamin, in Accra during a three-day visit from the United Kingdom to the country.

More here-

http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=333743

Asantehene welcomes Archbishop of Canterbury

From Ghana-

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has rolled the red carpet for the Archbishop of Canterbury with a splendid royal ceremonial welcome to his Manhyia Palace.

A colourful durbar was organized, on Thursday, by the King in honour of the Most Reverend Justin Welby, who is in the country for a pastoral visit to the Church of the Province of West Africa.

The visit which was his first to the country by the Archbishop of the worldwide Anglican Communion comes at a time when Kumasi has become the seat of the Province- with the Most Rev. Dr. Daniel Yinkah-Safo as its Archbishop and Primate.

More here

http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/religion/artikel.php?ID=332926

Head of Anglican Church to visit Ghana

From Ghana-

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby Head of the Anglican Communion and his spouse Mrs Welby, would pay a three- day visit to Ghana, spanning Wednesday, October 29 to Friday, October 31.

The visit would be his first to West Africa, since his enthronement as head of the church in 2012.

Archbishop Welby and his entourage would be met at Kotoka International Airport by Right Reverend Dr Daniel Sylvanus Mensah Torto, Anglican Bishop of Accra and Mr Jon Benjamin, British High Commissioner.

More here-

http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/religion/artikel.php?ID=331508

West Africa clergy issue Ebola challenge to global Anglicans

From ENS-

Clergy in West Africa have challenged Anglicans worldwide to “live as their brothers’ keepers” and act to address the Ebola crisis.

The priests of the Anglican Diocese of Kumasi, Ghana, issued their challenge after a workshop entitled Church and Community Response to Ebola in which they learned more about the disease and how to prevent its spread.

In a statement issued after the workshop Message to the International Community, they said, “We challenge the international community to live as their brothers’ keepers*. We encourage Anglican Churches or Christian Churches the world over to express their solidarity by observing one Sunday as Ebola Sunday to pray and mobilize resources for the affected areas in the sub-region or West Africa.”

More here-

http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2014/10/08/west-africa-clergy-issue-ebola-challenge-to-global-anglicans/

Vatican's Turkson criticises Ugandan anti-gay law backed by country's bishops

From The Tablet-

Ghanaian Cardinal Peter Turkson, President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, said this week that “homosexuals are not criminals” and should not be sentenced for up to life in prison.

He was speaking at a human rights conference in Bratislava, where he was asked about new legislation in Uganda that bans funding, recruitment and promotion of homosexuality.

Cardinal Turkson said the Vatican also called on the international community to keep providing aid to Uganda.

The World Bank has suspended a US$90 million loan for that would help fund maternal health, newborn care and family planning because of the legislation.

His intervention directly contradicts the country’s bishops’ conference, which along with Protestant, Orthodox, Pentecostal and Muslim leaders last week welcomed the law saying it would promote morality, describing homosexuality and lesbianism as “part of human weakness” that had to be addressed through repentance.

More here-

http://www.thetablet.co.uk/news/496/0/vatican-s-turkson-criticises-ugandan-anti-gay-law-backed-by-country-s-bishops