The relentless abuse of the natural world is deeply distressing
In Ghana, the Methodist Church, with its roots in British Methodism and a blend of conservative evangelical and charismatic elements, plays a significant role in the lives of many. Over the past 30 years, Kwabena Asamoah-Gyadu, an ordained minister and professor at Trinity Theological Seminary, has been a part of both the congregation and the academy.
However, the current state of the Methodist Church in rural Ghana presents a different picture. The Church is actively engaged in mission work and development, commissioning young adults as Global Mission Fellows and undertaking infrastructure projects. Yet, it faces critical challenges, particularly inadequate worship facilities, lack of effective supervision, severe financial constraints, and a reluctance among lay preachers to serve in rural areas.
These issues threaten the sustainability and growth of rural Methodist communities. The Church leadership is aware of these problems and is actively involved in initiatives to address them.
In a broader context, Ghana, a country that is 70% Christian, promotes religious tolerance. This is evident in the church's invitation to a Muslim vice president of the country to speak at the seminary twice. Kwabena Asamoah-Gyadu, a prominent figure in the church, expresses admiration for this religious tolerance but acknowledges that intolerance exists.
Unfortunately, in some countries, people are killed because they do not belong to the same religious tradition. The church, therefore, has a role to play in promoting peace by recognising each other's humanity before judging based on religion.
The church in Ghana also faces other challenges. The destruction of the environment through deforestation, illegal mining, and pollution is a significant issue. The church needs to do more to address poverty and provide healthcare and social services to help lift people out of poverty.
Moreover, religious intolerance and hate speech, such as against LGBT individuals and illegal migrants, are harmful and destructive. The church should speak out more aggressively against these practices.
On a global scale, major persecution against Christians and violent clashes on the basis of religion have occurred in Nigeria. At the Lausanne 4 meeting, collaboration is being emphasized, but Kwabena Asamoah-Gyadu believes there should be a clearer focus on issues such as persecution, religious intolerance, and the plight of those working in disadvantaged areas.
Trinity Theological Seminary, where Kwabena Asamoah-Gyadu teaches, has over 600 students and is over 80 years old. The Methodist Church in Ghana also has concerns about some developments in the church, particularly regarding the ordination of LGBT individuals.
As we move forward, it is crucial for the church to address these challenges and work towards promoting peace, religious tolerance, and environmental sustainability. The Methodist Church in Ghana, under the leadership of individuals like Kwabena Asamoah-Gyadu, is working towards these goals and continues to be a beacon of hope in Ghanaian communities.
[1]: Methodist Church Ghana website [2]: Study on the challenges facing rural Methodist churches in Ghana [5]: Methodist Church Ghana news article on infrastructure projects
- The Methodist Church in Ghana, steeped in historical roots and contemporary concerns, is actively pursuing environmental science initiatives to combat climate-change, particularly deforestation, illegal mining, and pollution, acknowledging the detrimental impact on the environment and rural communities in Ghana.
- In the realm of education and self-development, Trinity Theological Seminary, housing over 600 students, plays a pivotal role in equipping its students with the knowledge and skills needed to address the challenges faced by the Methodist Church and society at large, including topics such as personal-growth and social-media.
- As part of its outreach, the Methodist Church in Ghana engages with general-news and stays informed on global affairs, recognizing the necessity of advocating for peace and religious tolerance, such as in Nigeria where major persecution against Christians and violent clashes due to religion have occurred.
- In light of these challenges, the church, immersed in politics and aware of the disparities faced by marginalized groups, stands firm against religious intolerance and hate speech towards LGBT individuals and illegal migrants, utilizing its platform to foster environmental sustainability, promote peace, and uphold human rights in alignment with its mission.
