Veep takes a stand against false prophets

Vice President John Dramani Mahama at the weekend expressed dissatisfaction about the emergence of some Christian missions with questionable practices, that tend to exploit the ignorance of the masses.

He said these ministries often de-emphasise the teaching of the pure and unadulterated word of God meant to save and prepare souls for heaven and rather emphasis on prosperity, materialism and miracles.

Mr. Mahama made this known in a speech read on his behalf in Accra, at the official launching of the International Clergy Association (ICA), a body of ordained Ministers of God.

He observed that God is looking for persons who will serve as the true vine and become his friends and a conduit to have true fellowship with mankind.

Mr. Mahama stressed that the clergy should be the true representatives of God in order to intervene in the affairs of men and nations.

He asked them to manifest the character of Jesus Christ especially love, compassion, kindness and forgiveness and foster unity in all facets of society.

The vice president called on the ministers to demonstrate leadership at all levels and promote faithful commitment, transparency and accountability.

The association, which was registered and gazetted on January 31st 2008 under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Charles Abban, has 250 members.

It was constituted to bring together pastors and Christians as well as their extended families into a common ministry and to advance the Kingdom of God.

Rev. Abban said the ICA would champion a code of ethics to regulate the conduct of ministers and ensure discipline and nobility in the clergy profession.

He said the code was vital to check the nefarious and unprofessional conduct of some ministers of the Gospel.

Rev. Abban said some of the aims and objectives of the ICA was to act as a regulatory and advocacy body for ministers of the gospel, help license and ordained member pastors and promote networking and fellowship among members.

"ICA has a mission to help bring together the clergy worldwide who share in its aims and objectives to exchange ideas, knowledge and experiences," he said.

Rev. Abban said: "The association's vision... is to bring together the clergy to advance the cause of Jesus Christ."

He said the ICA had established branches in the UK, Ireland, the US, Czech Republic, Germany, Venezuela, Togo, Cote d' Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Nigeria, Benin, Brazil and Canada.

Rev. Abban said ICA had plans to set up special arbitration committees in line with the Alternative Dispute Resolution strategy.

Rev. Jeff Korum, an associate pastor of Elim International Family Church, Osu who was the Guest Speaker, admonished members of the ICA to be faithful and obedient servants of the Lord.

Rev. Sampson Kwaku Boafo, former Minister of Chieftaincy Affairs and Ashanti Regional Minister, who chaired the function asked members of the ICA to influence society positively by leading exemplary lives.