The churches to promote peace this election year
We expect the churches to promote national peace throughout this election year. The Churches are among the best most carefully socially structured institutions in this country. We find Churches in every electoral area, constituency and district. The Churches should pick up the agenda of promoting peaceful 2016 Elections in the communities and in the nation.
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They constitute real and powerful instrument of peace when they take up the responsibility. In fact, God requires His people of faith to stand in the gap and take action for Him to bring order, peace and blessing on a nation. (2 Chronicles 7:14).
The sovereign Lord has not abdicated His throne. He remains in control over the world He has created. The Bible teaches that He reigns in the affairs of nations and individuals. He is the final decider on who becomes President in the next four years. (Psalm 75:6&7).
Pastors and Church leaders must mobilise the over 71.2per cent of our population, who belong to the Christian faith, to function as God’s instruments of peace. We know many churches are already active in promoting peace. Here are some suggestions to act on in our pursuit for peaceful 2016 Elections, National peace and prosperity.
First, our churches must write the 2016 history of Ghana through purposeful and powerful praying. We must pray for Ghana!
The other day I heard someone say, ‘it is time for us to prioritise prayer (as a nation). For far too long we have seen what we can do; it is time for us to see what God can do.” Much as I agree to this as an encouragement to prioritise raising prayer for the nation, prayer must not be the last resort; Prayer must be our first response.
We all hear and read the news. Much of political comments and activities disturb our minds. We need sanity on the air waves. We need healthy political activities. We need for us to have genuine love for one another. We need shared national love and hope.
We need peace for quiet living and development. How can we tone down the rising partisan political temperature? And the increasing political mistrust? There are also concerns for safety and security. We must hit our knees in humble fervent prayer for God to act. We emphasise that for believers, the greatest action you can take is prayer.
You must care enough to take action to pray earnestly. Prayer is not inaction, Prayer is your greatest action. And this does not eliminate other actions you need to take.
We need consistent daily prayer for Ghana in our personal devotional prayer times, during week day Church activities and at Sunday Church Services. Local Council of Churches should be organising joint prayer meetings monthly now and as we get closer to the November elections, to do so every two weeks. We must pray to see God work in 2016 Elections.
Secondly, Pastors and Church leaders must carefully and responsibly use their pulpits to educate Church members on their civic responsibilities including healthy participation in the political life of the community.
When there is chaos and disorder in any community all the people there pay dearly for it. It is wiser to be agents of peace. Pastors must educate their members on, how to practically function as agents of peace in their community.
Thirdly, Pastors and Church leaders must intentionally promote respect for our democratic institutions. We need to build strong institutions and not undermine them. Where do we turn to when for example the Superior Courts, and the Electoral Commission are not held in the highest respect as critical democratic institutions?
Pastors and Church leaders must properly and exhaustively consult with them first on relevant matters before running to the press or church hall or community centre.
Fourthly, the Churches can promote “I am my brother’s and sister’s keeper” campaign in all the electoral areas across the country. Well, in this IT age, Church members can quickly record happenings in their communities. It could become useful in seeking justice and peace.
This is our home. This is our country Let all who live here, keep it in peace.
(The author is a Leadership Development and Cross-cultural Ministries Consultant, sughanaho@gmail.com)