Catholic Bishop decries return to traditional worship by members
The Catholic Bishop of the Navrongo-Bolgatanga Diocese, Most Reverend Alfred Agyenta, has expressed concern over the growing trend of some Christians, including members of the Catholic Church, reverting to traditional and ancestral forms of worship.
He said the phenomenon reflected a spiritual identity crisis and urged the faithful to recommit to the core values of the Christian faith and reject practices that weaken the spiritual and moral foundations of the Church.
“We are witnessing a growing number of Christians who are returning to their ancestral homes in the form of worship.
This signals not only spiritual confusion, but also a weakening of faith,” the Bishop stated.
Anniversary
Bishop Agyenta made the remarks while delivering a homily during the celebration of the centenary celebration of the Sacred Heart Cathedral Parish in Bolgatanga.
The event, held on the theme: “Celebrating 100 Years of Walking Together as a Family of God”, brought together the clergy, government officials, traditional rulers, Muslim clerics, development partners and parishioners.
Most Rev. Agyenta called for a renewed mindset, the revival of cultural values that aligned with Christian principles, and a commitment to selflessness and community life, noting, “If we do not renew our culture and change the way we see things, all our efforts will be in vain.”
He further described the centenary celebration as an opportunity for deeper reflection and recommitment to the Church’s mission, emphasising that “This is not just a celebration of the past. It is a call to mission. A mission means we are sent to go out and serve".
Peace in Bawku
In a goodwill message, the Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Atanga Akamugri, congratulated the diocese on its 100-year milestone and lauded the Catholic Church for its role in education, health care, social welfare, and moral leadership across the region.
He urged the church to continue offering spiritual support through prayers, particularly for the restoration of peace in conflict-prone areas.
“The Catholic Church has been a dependable development partner.
We appeal to you to continue praying for peace in Bawku, Doba-Kandiga, and other troubled areas,” the regional minister said.
Interfaith harmony
The Upper East Regional Chief Imam, Sheikh Alhaji Umar Yussuf, commended the Catholic Church for fostering peace and promoting interfaith dialogue.
He stated that Islam recognises Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary and emphasised the spiritual kinship between Christians and Muslims.
“We are all brothers and sisters walking in faith.
The Church has been a true ally in promoting justice, education, and harmony,” the Imam said.
Traditional ruler
The Chief of Dulugu and representative of the Bolgatanga Traditional Council, Abanga George Akuune, described the church as a source of hope and unity during times of community strife.
He said the church had built several schools and social centres across the region and had helped to rebuild broken families and promote moral values that anchored society, and called on the church to approach the traditional council for any support they deemed the council could help them with.
“The church has built several schools, hospitals, and social centres across the region, and on this special occasion of yours, we want to say thank you,” he added.
