The Methodist Diocesan Bishop of Tema, the Right-Reverend Thomas Brown Forson, at the weekend, stopped two leading politicians in the metropolis from using the diocesan conference to campaign.
The Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive, Mr. Isaac Ashai Odamtten, and the NPP Member of Parliament for Tema East, Mr. Titus Glover, had sought opportunity to address the 19th annual synod of the church.
Although Bishop Forson granted them the permission, he prohibited them from speaking on party lines, saying that should not be encouraged, especially in this election season when many politicians are likely to visit churches.
He advised the clergy not to allow politicians to use the pulpit to promote themselves.
The two political figures agreed and steered clear of politics in their speeches.
This is because the church was made up of members who belong to different political orientations or parties and giving any one the opportunity to do politics at church can incur the displeasure of those who do not belong to the politician’s party.
Touching on the theme for the synod which is “qualitative and quantitative growth of the church: holistic service”, Bishop Forson asked Christians to allow the character of Christ to manifest in the way they do things.
“Let it not be heard, and I repeat, let it not be heard that any member of the Methodist church, clergy or lay has been involved in any form of misconduct or any acts that breach the laws of our Lord Jesus Christ and put the peace of our nation in jeopardy” Rt. Rev. Forson stated.
He urged the church to pray fervently for peace and against the works of terrorist groups who in his opinion have no regard for solemn places of worship nor have the fear of God in them.
Mr. Odamtten urged the church to be instruments of peace and also called on the clergy to use the pulpit to propagate peace as the country got closer to elections.
Mr. Glover commended the church for its contribution to society, and advised the congregation to take their Christian life seriously and to contribute to the development of the church.
The Paramount Chief for the Tema Traditional Area, Nii Adjei Kraku II, applauded the Methodist Church in Tema for the progress it had made and the effort to win more souls for Christ and promote discipline in the society.
The occasion was also used to reward persons who had in diverse ways supported the church.
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