Method of electing Methodist Bishop criticised

The Koforidua Diocesan Lay chairman of the Methodist Church Ghana, Janet Frieda Bediako Asare, has expressed concern about the method used to elect a Bishop in the Methodist Church, arguing that it needs to be re-examined to enhance the growth of the church.

She quoted the Lay president, J A Abadoo-Brew, as having said at the 55th Connexional Lay Movement Conference held at Tema in April this year that the method gives room for unhealthy politicking and mudslinging, which she noted, could ruin interpersonal relationships, breed dangerous rivalry and destroy teamwork.

Addressing the sixth annual Delegates' Conference of the Diocese of the Lay Movement Council at the Wesley Cathedral at Koforidua on Friday, Madam Bediako Asare said, "Let us not pretend and deceive ourselves that all is well. We ruin the church when we put individual parochial interests above the general interest and the wish of the people of God, out of vindictiveness". The theme for the three-day conference was, "Equipping the laity for the mission of the church: 60 years and beyond".

Turning to the December general election, the Lay chairman urged Ghanaians to exercise their franchise as true Ghanaians, and think about the peace they are enjoying now and place it above all other interests. She said, "We trust that the Good Lord will give us the grace to hold not only peaceful elections, but also free and fair elections."

Opening the conference, the Diocesan Bishop, Rt Rev Frederick Nnuroh, said it was incumbent upon the lay as well as the clergy to keep themselves pure. The Bishop congratulated the Connexional Lay Movement for its anniversary, which falls in 2009 and wished them fruitful deliberations at the conference saying, "We all look forward to better partnership in the service of the Lord in the years ahead".

Beatrice Bernice Boateng, New Juaben South NPP Parliamentary candidate for the 2008 elections, urged the Lay Movement to operate not only in the church, but in the larger community.

She reminded the people of the up-coming elections and appealed for peace and unity. Madam Boateng urged Ghanaians to return the NPP to power by voting massively for both Nana Akufo-Addo and all NPP Parliamentary candidates.