Clarion Call on Pastors to Maintain Neutrality and Credibility During Elections

Rev. Dr. Kwabena Opuni-Frimpong, Senior Lecturer at KNUST’s Department of Religious Studies, has urged pastors and church leaders to uphold neutrality and protect their credibility as Ghana approaches another election season.

Stressing the importance of the pastoral role as unifying figures in society, he cautioned against aligning with political parties, particularly through public prophecies that could sow division.

“Pastors hold public trust, credibility, and respect, which position us as unifying figures, especially in challenging times,” Dr. Opuni-Frimpong told GPCC News. He cautioned that pastors endorsing specific parties from the pulpit risk alienating members of their diverse congregations, undermining the church’s role as a space of unity. “Each member must feel that I am there for everyone, not just for one party,” he emphasized.

Addressing recent extreme declarations by some pastors, including threats to burn churches or Bibles if favoured parties lose, Dr. Opuni-Frimpong warned that such statements damage the church’s credibility and voice. He commended bodies like the Christian Council, GPCC, and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference for actively promoting peace and applauded GPCC’s initiative to send pastors to polling stations as observers, encouraging other religious leaders to follow suit.

Dr. Opuni-Frimpong concluded with a call for unity-focused leadership, urging pastors to lead by example. “We don’t need more divisive statements. We need pastors who can observe, encourage, and promote peace,” he stated.

As the election season unfolds, his message is a reminder to church leaders to place national unity and the collective good above individual political affiliations

SOURCE: GPCC NEWS