‘Not politics but moral duty’ — Catholic Bishops respond to remarks on church advocacy

The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has reaffirmed the Church’s right to speak on national moral and social issues, including illegal mining, insisting that such interventions are grounded in its spiritual mandate rather than partisan politics.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, April 28, and signed by its President, Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, the Conference responded to recent remarks by Dr Mary Awusi directed at Apostle Eric Nyamekye, Chairman of the Church of Pentecost.

Dr Awusi is reported to have cautioned that if the Chairman continues to speak on matters such as illegal mining, “he should be ready to be treated as a politician.”

Church’s prophetic mandate

Defending the Church’s role in national discourse, the Bishops stressed that silence in the face of societal challenges would be inconsistent with its mission.

“The Church, by her nature and divine mandate, cannot remain silent in the face of moral and social concerns,” the statement said. “Christ calls His Church to be ‘the light of the world’ and ‘the salt of the earth’ (cf. Matthew 5:13-14).”

The Conference emphasised that issues which undermine human dignity, harm the environment or threaten the common good, such as the destructive impact of illegal mining, demand a moral response.

“This is not partisan politics; it is a moral responsibility rooted in the Gospel,” the statement read.

Call for respectful engagement

While acknowledging that Dr Awusi has since apologised, the Bishops said such remarks risk undermining constructive public discourse.

“Statements that equate moral witness with political partisanship risk narrowing the space for ethical reflection. We do not expect such expressions from those entrusted with public responsibility; rather, we encourage respectful and constructive dialogue,” they stated.

The Conference also commended members of the Christian community for their measured reactions, describing them as a demonstration of unity and restraint.

Appeal to leaders and citizens

The Bishops called on public officials to remain open to the moral perspectives of religious institutions and citizens, urging a spirit of dialogue and mutual respect in addressing national challenges.

“This moment calls us to be instruments of peace. Let us avoid division and promote dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect,” the statement concluded.

They further prayed for national unity and divine guidance for Ghana’s leadership in navigating the country’s social and environmental concerns.