By Eric Appah Marfo
Accra, June 25, GNA – The Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) has expressed reservations about the newly passed Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, saying it does not adequately address the concerns that informed its introduction.
The Council said while it welcomed Parliament’s passage of the legislation, it considered the current version less comprehensive than the one approved by the previous Parliament.
Apostle Dr Eric Nyamekye, President of the GPCC, expressed the position at the opening of the GPCC National Delegates Conference in Accra on Wednesday.
“It is our position that the legislation in its present state falls short of our expectations and will not be sufficiently robust to protect our time-tested family values, cultural heritage and the moral fabric of our society,” he said.
The conference, held on the theme: “Reflecting Christ” (Matthew 5:16), brought together church leaders and delegates from across the country.
Apostle Nyamekye said the Church had a responsibility to speak on legislative and moral issues affecting society and reaffirmed the Council’s support for efforts aimed at preserving Ghana’s values and sovereignty.
“Whatever scrutiny this process may attract, whether domestically or internationally, we stand firmly committed to upholding the values, sovereignty and moral well-being of our beloved nation, Ghana,” he said.
Apostle Nyamekye said reflecting Christ required the Church to remain a visible witness of truth, holiness and love in a society facing increasing moral and ethical challenges.
In a devotional message, Apostle Dr Nana Anyani-Boadum, General Overseer of Jesus Generation Ministry and Executive Member of the GPCC, urged churches to place greater emphasis on discipleship.
He expressed concern about what he described as a “discipleship deficit” within the Church, saying many believers demonstrated enthusiasm in worship but did not consistently reflect Christian values in their daily lives.
“The Great Commission is not merely about making converts but making disciples,” he said.
Dr Anyani-Boadum said that deliberate mentoring and spiritual formation were necessary to nurture mature Christians capable of making positive contributions to society.
The Reverend Jehoiada Godwin Amuzu, Coordinator for Interfaith and Ecumenical Relations at the Christian Council of Ghana, who delivered a fraternal message on behalf of Rev Dr Cyril Fayose, General Secretary of the Council, called for continued collaboration among Christian bodies on national issues.
He said cooperation between the Christian Council of Ghana and the GPCC had strengthened the Church’s contribution to governance, peacebuilding, accountability and social development.
“The Body of Christ is strongest when it speaks and acts in unity,” he said.
The Christian Council also appealed to the GPCC to support activities towards its centenary celebrations in 2029.
The Rev Dr Joyce Rosalind Aryee, Founder and Executive Director of Salt and Light Ministries, commended the GPCC for promoting unity among Christian denominations.
She urged church leaders to continue providing moral guidance and to strengthen efforts at nurturing younger Christians.
“We come from different denominations, but we have one Lord, we have one faith and we have one baptism,” she said.
The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill was first introduced in Parliament in 2021 as a Private Members’ Bill. Following the expiration of the previous Parliament, the legislation was reintroduced in the Ninth Parliament and has since been passed by Parliament.
Some stakeholders, including the Christian Council of Ghana, have indicated that they are yet to study the final version of the Bill to determine whether changes have been made to its provisions.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey
Reporter: Eric Appah Marfo