Be open to moral voice of Church - Catholic Bishops to public officials

The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has reiterated the right of churches to speak on national, moral and social issues, stressing that such interventions are grounded in its spiritual mandate than partisan politics. 

It has, therefore, appealed to public officials to be open to the moral voice of the Church.

“To public officials, we appeal for openness to the moral voice of the Church and all people of goodwill. To clergy and lay leaders, we encourage fidelity in proclaiming the truth with prudence and love,” it said in a statement signed by its president, Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi.

Context

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Board, Dr Mary Awusi recently criticised the Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, for saying that the Church was unable to undertake water baptism in rivers due to the negative impact of illegal mining popularly called galamsey.

Dr Awusi had cautioned that if Apostle Nyamekye continued to speak on matters such as illegal mining, “he should be ready to be treated as a politician.”

GCBC

But the GCBC said the Church did not seek power but strived to illuminate public life with truth.

“When she speaks on justice, peace, and care for creation, she does so as a moral guide concerned for all. While it has been reported that Dr Awusi has since apologised, we must respectfully state that such remarks do not foster the mutual respect needed in public discourse,” it said.

“This is not partisan politics; it is a moral responsibility rooted in the Gospel. In a democratic society, a proper distinction exists between religious and political roles.

Yet this must not silence the voice of conscience,” it said. 

It said statements that equated moral witness with political partisanship risked 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.

We also note with appreciation the calm and respectful support offered by members of the Christian community,” it said.

The statement said the responses reflected solidarity and restraint, “reminding us that Christian leadership requires both courage and charity”

Instruments

It said the moment calls for all to be instruments of peace, advising that “let us avoid division and promote dialogue, understanding and mutual respect.”  

It said the Church, by her nature and divine mandate, could not remain silent in the face of moral and social concerns.

“Christ calls His Church to be “the light of the world” and “the salt of the earth” (cf. Matthew 5:13–14).

Therefore, when issues arise that threaten human dignity, the integrity of creation, or the common good—such as the grave harm caused by illegal mining—the Church has both the right and the duty to speak,” it stated. 

While entrusting the country to God, it prayed that God would “guide our leaders and grant us unity and peace.”