Sunyani: A female member of the Wesley Cathedral Methodist Church in Sunyani has publicly accused the church's pastor and elders of being 'thieves' in a heated debate concerning tithe payments. The confrontation occurred during a church service, where she expressed her grievances about an alleged policy that reportedly withholds financial support from members who fail to pay tithes during personal emergencies or funerals.
According to Ghana Web, the woman was responding to the pastor's earlier statement, which labeled non-tithe-paying members as 'armed robbers.' She challenged this interpretation, asserting that if non-payment of tithes results in such a label, then the same should apply to the pastor and the church's leadership. She argued, "You mentioned that the Bible says someone who does not pay their tithe is an armed robber. If that is the case, then when we are talking about armed robbers, it starts from you, Bishop, and the elders of the church; you are all armed robbers."
The woman, who claims to be financially capable of paying tithes, disclosed her decision to refrain from doing so due to what she perceives as an inequitable support system within the church. She criticized the practice of demanding significant tithe contributions and offering minimal support during critical times, such as bereavements, as unjust. "I work and I can afford to pay a huge tithe, but I won't. I'd rather use that money for something else," she stated, highlighting a specific instance where she felt the church's support was insufficient.
She also reminisced about past times when the church provided smaller welfare contributions, which she claims led to higher attendance and fuller auditoriums. The current policy, which allegedly ties support to tithe contributions, was criticized for discouraging participation and prompting some members to leave the church.
The confrontation has sparked a debate over church practices and the perceived fairness of membership support, shedding light on a contentious issue within the Methodist Church Ghana.