News
The 13th International General Assembly of the Church of the Lord (Prayer Fellowship) was held in the Bantama area of Kumasi, Ghana from 9 to 16 November.
Delegates from Nigeria, Togo, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Europe and America-Oceanic, as well as Ghana, attended the assembly, which was preceded by a three-day revival with the offering of prayers for peace in Ghana, especially for the successful outcome of the forthcoming elections. Prayers were also said for the growth and expansion of the Church of God worldwide, and for global peace.
This was followed by pre-assembly programmes for women and youth during which issues affecting both groups were discussed and positions were adopted.
The assembly opening session was attended by the superintendent minister of the Methodist Church in Bantama, Rev. Aaron Ecuban, who delivered a goodwill message on behalf of his church and the Christian community in Bantama.
The World Council of Churches (WCC) was represented by WCC Central Committee member the Rev. Emma Essie Dzoe Sepah of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Ghana.
Rev. Dr Rufus Okikiola Ositelu, primate of The Church of the Lord (Prayer Fellowship) Worldwide offered a keynote address, then papers were delivered and reports given by various provinces, councils, ministries, unions and other statutory groups.
Communique agreement reached
Agreement was reached on a acknowledging that the “fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,” and condemning corruption at all levels.
Assembly participants also condemned “in its entirety the deadly activities of Boko Haram, ISIS, Al-Shabaab and all other terrorist groups across the whole world and urge the world leaders to intensify their fight against these ungodly groups.”
The communique states: “We believe strongly and so posited that the sanctity of human lives should be respected by all.”
The church urged equal rights be given to all irrespective of gender, race and background, especially with regard to the right to education.
The assembly commended the government of Ghana for ensuring peace and growth in the country. In addition, the communique stated: “The Assembly commends untiring efforts of west-African leaders and supports from partners and donors resulting in the timely control and curtailing the scourge of Ebola. However, the assembly consoles and sympathizes with churches, mosques, communities and families who lost their loved ones during the Ebola outbreak.”
The assembly hailed the new commitment on the part of many African leaders to democratic tenets and fair elections.
