Desist from imposing political beliefs on church members — Rev. Ofori

The Moderator of the Global Evangelical Church (GEC), the Right Rev. Dr. Setorwu Ofori, has entreated pastors to desist from imposing their political beliefs on church members.

Rather, he said, they should present genuine election-related messages to their members, educate and encourage them to participate in electoral processes.

“Encourage people to go and vote, but don’t be biased in your messages because you have all manner of people from different political parties in your congregations,” Rt Rev. Dr. Ofori, said.

The Moderator, who made the appeal at the ordination of 21 reverend ministers of the GEC in Accra last Sunday, also called on the leadership of political parties to be faithful to themselves and the people in their utterances and actions in this year’s electioneering.

“Do not promise Ghanaians what you cannot do and do not say what you have not done,” he told politicians, adding that Ghana had always been a peaceful country and so he expected events leading to the December 7 elections to be smooth “to promote the peace God has given us”.

Ordination

The ordination of the reverend ministers follows two years of practical work in the field of ministry after they had completed their courses in theology and ministry at the Global Theological Seminary.

The new pastors will support the church by effectively serving and discharging their duties in their various capacities as ministers of God.
Rt Rev. Dr. Ofori advised the pastors to portray the character of Christ and be servants of the people as they demonstrated love and care towards everybody in society, regardless of a person’s social status or educational level.

“Do not associate yourselves with supposedly rich people who you think will enrich you but be pastors to all,” he added.

Commendation

The Moderator commended the pastors for heeding God’s call to serve as ministers to shepherd the body of Christ.

He described the work of ministers as noble and charged them to keep their faith and work towards the high calling of salvation.

“Preaching the word of salvation is very important because when people receive the Gospel, their hearts change and their attitudes and lives also change positively,” he added.