One cantankerous accusation about the Christian religion is that it is money-centered. The church is severely criticised for even taking the least coin from the widow who does not know where her next meal will come from.
This perception about the church has lived with us for many years, and in some instances, some church leaders have been described as “Armed robbers in Cassock,” (apologies to Ebo Quansah).
A recent exposé by the Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong on the Head Pastor of the International God’s Way Church, Bishop Daniel Obinim, over allegations of fraud and money laundering, has gone a long way to expose fake pastors who have taken advantage of innocent Ghanaians and are living lavishly off their sweat.
Renowned churches like the Catholic, Presbyterian, Methodist, International Central Gospel (ICGC) and Action Chapel among others have been of tremendous help as partners of development with governments.
The problem has rather been with the mushrooming of one-man churches such as the Guided Missile Church, Jehovah Sharp Sharp Ministries, Healing Tsunami Ministries, Satan in Trouble Ministries, Fist of Fury Church, Run for Your Life Chapel, By Fire by Fire Ministries, David Killed Goliath Ministry, High Tension Church, The Chikudi and Sons Evangelical Ministry, etc. which are running down the name of God.
Modern day Christianity has been commercialised to the extent that spiritual services are no longer free. From water, handkerchiefs, porridge, lime, and olive oil to consultation must be paid for, irrespective of the church member’s financial situation.
The outbreak of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) has exposed the resilience and flaws of some of the churches.
To keep the public safe, some protocols were put in place concerning public gatherings, which affected churches and other religious bodies. Some churches made use of virtual services, as offerings and tithes were equally sent and received via mobile money transfers.
However, at the 10th address by President Akufo-Addo on the easing of restrictions, churches, mosques and schools were allowed to reopen with some safety protocols to be observed.
The churches and mosques are not to have more than 100 people in one hall for more than an hour, and they are to be fumigated after every session.
Many have said that the President was not fair to some churches, which have congregations numbering over 2,000 and above.
This means churches like Perez Chapel, ICGC, Victory Bible and Makers Chapel International which have large followings may not be able to observe this direction as stated by the President.
Although the these churches were anticipating the restrictions to be relaxed, they have all decided to remain closed due to the associated safety protocols.
The Chronicle is happy with the decision taken by these churches, because they have proven that it is not all about money, but the safety of the people.
We, therefore, want to use this occasion to appeal to other churches, which cannot meet the directives as issued by the President, to protect their congregations.
The post Editorial: Church is not all about money; it cares about its members appeared first on The Chronicle Online.
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