Religion of Sunday, 24 June 2012

Source: GNA

Rt-Rev.Prof. Martey calls for an end to utterances of ethnocentric prejudices among ethnic groups

Right Reverend Professor Emmanuel Martey, Moderator of the General Assembly of Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG), on Sunday called for an end to utterances of ethnocentric prejudices and the insults against ethnic groups especially between Ewes and Asantes.

"Both Asantes and Ewes have contributed tremendously in building our nation. Without them Ghana will not be where it is now. Why then should few unprincipled persons infuriate Asanteman and Ewe Duko. Ethnocentric prejudice must stop. It must be condemned outright and I do no less."

Rt-Rev. Martey made the call when delivering the sermon at the Ordination of 19 Ministerial Probationers made up of 15 men and four women at the Peniel Congregation of PCG at Teshie in Accra.

This is the first of four batches of Ministerial Probationers this year who have completed two years of probation.

The sermon was on the theme “Jesus, the Lord of our Storm”.

He suggested that the traditional leaders of the two ethnic groups should come together to talk together, adding "Could you imagine the impact that it would have on all Asantes and all Ewes if a chief from Asante and a Togbe after talking together embrace each other and is captured on the front pages of the print media and shown on the television screens."

"It would be wonderful and beautiful; and all servants of Satan who want fire to rain from heaven upon Ghana would be put to shame," he added.

Rt-Rev. Martey said, "The PCG, which is the oldest continuously existing church in this country wants all ethnic groups to co-exist peacefully, as we all belong to one and the same country called Ghana."

To the ordained Ministers, he said "As Ministers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ go and be instruments of peace. Go and calm every storm wherever and whenever it begins to mount. Be instruments of peace and vessels of honour in the hands of the Prince of Peace. Educate your members on their civic responsibilities to ensure peaceful Election 2012. Educate church members not to vote for politicians who use indecent and violent language inciting followers to cause mayhem."

Rev. Nicholas Israel Nii-Trebi, on behalf of the ordained Ministers, affirmed their commitment to practically pursue their mandate through discipleship, enhanced worship and fellowship life, sustained evangelism and committed and selfless service to promote a healthy and growing church.

"As agents of the church, we accept the charge to be the mouthpiece of the church in our various locations. We also have a duty to go by the traditions and practices of the church and be subjected to the guiding documents including the Bible, the Constitution and the manual order, and see to the implementation of the decisions of the church at all levels. We would do these in humility, submission and honesty."**