Anglican Bishop of Accra lauds tolerance of Ga chiefs

Accra, May 20, GNA - Right Reverend Dr Daniel Sylvanus Mensah Torto, Bishop of Accra Anglican Diocese on Monday lauded the cordial relationship between the church, chiefs and traditional authorities in the Greater Accra Region.

He told the Ghana News Agency in Accra that although the Ga traditional authorities have placed a ban on drumming and noise making, they however gave the Anglican Church the go ahead to host a maiden crusade at the Black Stars Square.

'This shows the level of tolerance of the elders to Christian activities, which deserves commendation,' he said.

Rev Torto asked the citizenry to respect the beliefs and values of the chiefs and traditional authorities to foster national integration and unity.  

The three- day crusade was organised in collaboration with Dr Lawrence Tetteh, President and Founder of UK- based World Miracle Outreach on the theme: 'Only Jesus Can Save.'

The event was crowned with a thanksgiving service on Sunday, May 19.

Rev Torto said the crusade, which was part of a rebranding exercise of the church was not a nine-day wonder.

He appealed to members of the church to sustain the crusade and let the fervour of the event reflect in their lives.

'The crusade is not going to be a nine-day wonder since it comes under the second pillar of the vision of the church, which is deepening of spirituality. The church will therefore organise retreats, revivals and any activity that will uplift members spiritually.'  

Bishop Torto said the church has five solid pillars that will underpin 'our vision to build Anglican Diocese of Accra'.

These are: 'Equipping and empowering church agents-Clergy to deliver excellence; deepening spirituality; growth based on integrity and discipline; financial sustainability, and social impact.'

'Our vision requires growing inter-dependent relationship with other denominations in Ghana and other dioceses within the Anglican Communion,' Bishop Torto said.

The crusade served as a platform for Christians to offer prayers for the nation to help avert any political upheavals following the ongoing petition at the Supreme Court.

Invited guests at the function comprised Dr Stephen Mwiluki, a UK-based Kenya Pastor, Mr Richard Shakarian, International Head of the Full Gospel Businessmen's Fellowship, and Reverend Paul Naughton, Chairman of Benny Hinn Ministries in the UK.

GNA