Accra:President John Dramani Mahama has urged churches to play a significant role in national development by fostering values such as honesty, compassion, responsible citizenship, and peace. He emphasized the importance of maintaining moral independence to speak truthfully about injustice and suffering, urging churches to demonstrate their faith through practical actions.
According to Ghana News Agency, President Mahama made these remarks at the 10th Triennial Congress of the World Assemblies of God Fellowship, held at the Accra International Conference Centre. The event, themed 'Commissioned, One Mandate, Every Nation', attracted over 10,000 participants from across the globe.
President Mahama highlighted that faith becomes tangible when it is expressed through service, urging public officeholders to embody humility and serve citizens with honesty and integrity. He illustrated this by stating that faith is made real when a hungry child receives nourishment, when patients are treated with compassion, and when individuals gain skills or find companionship in times of need.
He also called on churches to create safe spaces for children and vulnerable individuals, allowing young people to freely ask questions and engage in meaningful responsibilities. He noted the challenges young people face in a rapidly changing technological world, where they are often exposed to misinformation and societal pressures.
President Mahama reassured his commitment to serving all citizens fairly, regardless of their religious affiliations, and stressed that prayers for peace should motivate Christians to use their words carefully and be attentive to those treated unjustly.
He expressed appreciation for Assemblies of God Ghana and the congress organizers, hoping that the global gathering would strengthen church partnerships and reinforce their dedication to service and global peace. The congress aims to reflect on the Church's mission and its role in global communities.
This congress marks the first time the event is hosted in Africa in the 115-year history of the Assemblies of God. It includes leadership sessions, fellowship, and various discussions at notable locations such as Independence Square and the Accra Sports Stadium. The Assemblies of God is recognized as one of the fastest-growing Pentecostal movements worldwide, with over 451,000 churches and 88 million members in more than 180 nations.