A.M.E. Zion Church Global Board of Bishops commends Ghana’s democratic progress

Accra, Jan. 17, GNA – Right Reverend Dr Hilliard K. Dela Dogbe, President of the Global Board of Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Zion Church, has lauded Ghana’s democratic journey through a peaceful and successful political transition after the December 7 elections.

The transition, he stressed, presented another great opportunity to accelerate the transformational agenda of the country.

This was in a statement issued by Rev. David K. Zungbey, Episcopal Secretary, A.M.E. Zion Church, during the recent visit to Ghana by the members of the Board of Bishops of the Church.

The Bishops’, the majority of whom reside in the United States of America, visited Ghana and Africa for the first time as a group in the 200-year history of the A. M. E. Zion Church.

The maiden visit is due to the peaceful democratic development in the country.

Among those who accompanied the Bishops were the Missionary Supervisors and the church’s global administrative officials.

“For us to have a peaceful election and to welcome people from all across the world who feel safe and secure within this country, I think, is something worth giving credit for,” he said.

He gave the assurance that the A.M.E. Zion would continue to support national development efforts in the areas of education, healthcare, and other activities that will promote the holistic growth of all citizens.

He added that “It’s important to recognise that the A.M.E. Zion Church is a global church. As a connectional church, we continue to love and cherish who God has called us to be, to make disciples of all men across all nations.

“As a country, Ghana needs to recognise that elections happen, but growth is constant. It’s important that, as elections happen and governments change, we all continue to stay focused, be faithful, and do the right thing that God has called us to do in every good way so that Ghana will always be a winner,” he said.

He said the Board of Bishops’ urged all stakeholders to work in unity to sustain the country’s peace and stability.

They appealed to Ghanaians to support the country’s leaders at all times in their quest to make life meaningful for all citizens.

Right Reverend Dr. Darryl B. Starnes, Senior Bishop of the A.M.E. Zion Church, described the visit to Ghana as a life-changing experience for the team and was inspired to see more churches and schools in the country.

He added, “Visiting Cape Coast, where atrocities were inflicted upon our ancestors, is something I will never forget. It reminds us of the resilience and strength of our people.”

Right Reverend Dr. W. Darin Moore said the trip to Ghana was truly a homecoming.

“We salute and celebrate the Ghanaian people for the peace, tranquillity, and safety of your nation, as well as continuing to make strides toward greater prosperity for all the people,” he said.

The Western-West Africa Episcopal District honoured one of its former Presiding Prelates, now Retired Senior Bishop, Right Rev. Dr. Kenneth Monroe, with a Community Worship Centre at the Episcopal Corporate Head Office at Latebiokorshie in Accra for his transformational leadership, which has impacted many lives.

Retired Senior Bishop Right Rev. Dr. Monroe thanked the leadership of the Western-West Africa Episcopal District for honouring him with a facility at the Episcopal Corporate Head Office at Laterbiokoshie in Accra.

He was happy about the transformation of the Episcopal District, which he presided over from 2004 to 2008.

“I am humbled because, in the 125 years of history that the AME Zion Church has been here, I feel privileged to be a part of that history. I’m just grateful to see the church moving forward. Since I left, never have I forsaken the work of the Western-West Africa Episcopal District,” he said.

Members of the Board of Bishops during their visit to Ghana toured historical sites in Accra, Cape Coast, and Keta.

They also presided over the Chapel Dedication Service of St John Society, which is the oldest A.M.E. Zion church established in Ghana in Keta in the year 1899.

GNA