Respect rights, dignity of congregants - Religious leaders urged at CDD workshop

The Executive Director of Africa Centre for International Law and Accountability (ACILA), William Nyarko, has called on ministers of the gospel to exercise caution and discretion when addressing spiritual revelations that involve personal issues of their congregants.

He said it was becoming increasingly worrying how some pastors disclosed private matters publicly during church services under the guise of prophecy, claiming divine instruction.

The call was made during a two-day workshop organised by the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD) Ghana in Cape Coast last Monday.

It aimed at equipping religious leaders with knowledge of protecting human rights.

The workshop brought together over 40 ministers of the gospel from different denominations across the region, who were engaged on the role of the church in promoting social inclusion, privacy and respect for constitutional values.

Mr Nyarko emphasised that while spiritual gifts such as prophecy were acknowledged and respected, the manner in which such revelations were communicated could either build or break the individuals involved. 

Social stigma

He cautioned that disclosing sensitive information such as health conditions or behavioural concerns in front of an entire congregation could lead to humiliation, social stigma and psychological trauma.

“One's dignity should not be sacrificed on the altar of prophecy,” he stated.

“We are not questioning the authenticity of what God reveals, but we are asking that ministers show discretion and empathy.

Calling the person privately to deliver the message protects their dignity and strengthens the bond between pastor and congregant,” he added.

Mr Nyarko underscored the importance of such engagements as he noted that “Faith leaders are influential voices in our communities.

When they are well-informed and sensitive to human rights, the whole society benefits. We are hopeful that this training will ripple out into the churches and change lives positively.”

Spiritual authority

Some religious leaders at the programme admitted that, at times, the desire to demonstrate spiritual authority might override the need for confidentiality.

They welcomed the opportunity to reflect and learn more about the ethical implications of public prophecy.

“I have never really thought of it this way. This session has opened my eyes to how we, as pastors, can unintentionally hurt our flock in the name of divine direction.

Going forward, I will do things differently,” a participant, Rev. Dr Justice Abieku Aggrey, pastor in charge of AME Zion Church, Saltpond, said.

Another participant, Rev. Fr Stephen Obeng from the Anglican church, shared a similar sentiment. “We have a responsibility to heal, not to harm.

A private conversation, even when uncomfortable, is more effective and respectful than a public declaration that leaves someone feeling ashamed or exposed,” he said.

Social justice

Beyond the issue of privacy, the workshop also tackled broader themes related to social justice, gender inclusion and legislative issues, particularly the ongoing debate on Ghana’s anti-LGBTQ+ bill currently under consideration in Parliament.

During the session on human rights, a senior programme officer, CDD-Ghana, Dr Michael Augustine Akagbor, challenged religious leaders to examine the proposed legislation through a constitutional lens.

“We must separate personal beliefs from constitutional obligations.

The Ghanaian Constitution guarantees fundamental freedoms to all citizens, regardless of their orientation or identity.

It is not enough to say we disagree with something, our legal system must be just and fair to all,” Dr Akagbor advised.