General News of Sunday, 13 August 2006

Source: GNA

Clergy slammed for desire for material wealth

Accra, Aug. 13, GNA - Dr George Ofori-Atta, Presiding Arch Bishop of the International Council for the Clergy, at the weekend slammed Christian leaders who condone wrong doing in society because of their quest to acquire material wealth.

He said God had called the clergy to preach against immorality and not to give accent to vices.

Archbishop Ofori-Atta, who is also an Executive Member of the US-based World Council of Bishops, was preaching during the ordination of Reverend Prophet Nana Mensah Agyapong, of the Christian Redemption International Ministry in Accra.

He said anytime a nation was going into crisis was an indication that sin was reining on the land and that God was not happy with it. "Men of God are chasing money and titles instead of talking about sins. Instead of seeking the direction of God to aid politicians, they are rather praying for politicians in order to gain favour." Archbishop Ofori-Atta said the Church must pray against the few greedy people who were milking the nation dry.

He said members of the clergy must build upon their spiritual gifts by acquiring additional knowledge through Christian seminaries and colleges.

He said the lacklustre approach by the clergy for in-service training had led to mediocrity in the delivery of sermons, especially on radio and television.

Archbishop Ofori-Atta cautioned politicians against the use of their positions to make quick money.

He preached against the politicisation of national issues, saying politics was meant to serve the people and to be a platform for national development, social change and the preaching against violence. "A lot of people are occupying positions in Ghana not because they have the nation at heart, but for the love of money."

Apostle Scahambach Amaniampong, Head of the Church said the Schambach School of ordination established a year ago had so far trained