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A lecturer at the University of Education, Winneba, has challenged the clergy in Ghana not to keep mute about the canker called corruption, economic mismanagement and bad policies that have plagued the country, but rather be vociferous about them.

“The clergy cannot continue with the practice of finding their voice to pray for peace for the nation during national elections. While it is commendable to pray for peaceful political atmosphere for national development, it is equally important to be vociferous and decisive about economic mismanagement, corruption and bad policies. You should remember that the clergy has a key role to play in the national effort to forge political tolerance and unity in Ghana,” underscored the lecturer, Dr Stephen Baffour Adjei.

He made this call on Sunday during the 5th graduation ceremony of the Bethesda  Center of Evangelism and Bible School at Anomawobi, along the Kasoa-Bawjiase road in the Central Region. The 11 graduands were from Ghana, Togo, Nigeria and Kenya who had undergone training in pastoral studies, church history, basic computer studies, health education, homiletics, hermeneutics, evangelism, agriculture, among others.

Making reference to President Nana Akufo-Addo’s call on Ghanaians to be “responsible citizens and not mere spectators,” Dr Baffour Adjei said it’s “a call to the clergy to teach and preach messages that can help transform the lackadaisical attitude of congregants to active citizens who will not only be interested in what Ghana can do for them, but to also show maximum interest in what they can do for mother Ghana.”

Dr Baffour Adjei entreated the graduands to “go out…..to be the voice for the voiceless; to gently but firmly and unequivocally expose error and place its ugly countenance under the light so that all can see its deformity and hateful nature.”

He challenged them to make conscious effort to repair the national and religious discourse in the country, be honest and speak with civility and constructive voices that deserve to be part of the necessary conversations in which the church of Christ was engaged.

He noted that the graduands, being fishers of men, have a huge obligation imposed on them and their families to be relevant and exemplary to the one who has called them: to be good models in society and to live up to the high expectations of the Ministry of Christ and of their calling.

“I entreat you to go and live up to your moral commitment to God and to your country. I appeal to you today to go and make the value of sincerity, love, purposeful-mindedness, patience and humility the foundation of your life and your Ministry,” Dr Baffour Adjei admonished.

The lecturer noted that today, one does not have to look far to see innumerable self-acclaimed men of God who have made it a duty to preach and practise what he called “dirty theology,” adding, “This type of theology is devoted to developing a reputation rather than character. It is the kind of theology that emphasizes material gains over salvation; the kind that treasures flamboyant lifestyle more than the moderate and humble lifestyle of Christ.”

While this is happening, he noted also that there equally good number of true believers who silently “sigh and cry for the abomination,” confusion and darkness which assails the precious Church of Christ.

Dr Stephen Baffour Adjei admonished management of the school to seek updated and contemporary ways to further position the Bible School and increase its visibility. He suggested the inclusion of church administration and management as well as leadership and organizational behaviour in an extended programme timetable.

The Director of the school, Sharna Welty, commended those who are handling farming, saying it is an integral part of the training.

She thanked the chief of Anomawobi, Nai Okpeh Okai (who was at the event) for his cooperation and support.