Methodist makes history

as Presidency moves to Wesley Church
The Methodist Church of Ghana on Sunday made politico-religious history when it hosted President John Kufuor, a Catholic and Vice President Aliu Mahama, a Moslem at a solemn service, at which the Church's 13th Lay President, Mr Ato Essuman, was inducted into office.

The Service, conducted by Presiding Bishop Samuel Asante-Antwi, with 13 Diocesan Bishops in attendance, was held at the Wesley Methodist Church in Accra, the oldest Methodist Cathedral in the city. It took about 40 years to build the Cathedral, which has existed for more than 40 years.

First Lady Theresa Kufuor, Chief Justice Edward Wiredu, Chief of Staff, Kwadwo Mpiani, Ameer of the Ahamidiyya Mission, Maulvi Wahab Adam and a number of Ministers of State were also at the Service, where the Bishops of Cape Coast, Kumasi and Akyem Oda were consecrated.

The induction of a Lay President is an important event on the Church's agenda as the position is the second in the Command Structure of the Church, after the Presiding Bishop. The Lay President would serve a four year-term, during which he would direct the non-Ministerial Affairs of the Church, with its organisations.

It was, therefore, no surprise that the 1000-seater Cathedral turned out to be not big enough to accommodate all the worshippers who turned up for the four-hour service that started at 0900 hours.

In accordance with Methodist tradition, the Service proceeded methodically, with the induction following the scripture readings, after which the consecration took place with other activities such as the Communion following.

The Choir, Singing Band and the Christ's Little Band strongly registered their presence when they joyously interspersed the Service with good old Methodist hymns, popular gospel music and some Abibindwom (indigenous Christian Fante lyrics), characteristic of a Methodist Service.

So encouraged was Dr Asante-Antwi that he invited President Kufuor to the Church's Crusade to be held from December3 to December 8 at the Independence Square.

He said: "I am told that 8th December is your birthday is that right?" When the President responded in the affirmative, he continued; "I am inviting you to our national crusade on that day and Former President Rawlings would also be invited so that we can promote reconciliation." The message was received with cheers and applause.

It was not only the Clergy, who were pleased, but also the worshippers, who did not only dance with pleasure to present their offertory, but pledged generous sums of money toward the three billion cedis Methodist University Hostel.

Former Speaker of Parliament Justice Daniel Francis Annan and Former Sports Minister Enoch Teye Mensah were also at the Service.

Kufuor appeals for spiritual support to make Ghana successful

President John Kufuor at a Church Service on Sunday urged Ghanaians to back the leadership of the nation with their prayers, saying without a divine force it would be difficult for them to drive the nation to success.

President Kufuor said: "One of the lessons I have learnt from this profession (politician) is that it takes more than human effort to advance a vision. It was a higher force that drove Moses and the other leaders to achieve their goals. As Christians we need God to guide us to achieve our goals."

President Kufuor was addressing more than 1,000 worshippers at a church service at the Wesley Methodist Church in Accra, during which Ato Essuman a Consulting Director of Funds and Procurement Management of the Ministry of Education was inducted as the 13th Lay President of the Church.

Vice President Mahama, First Lady Theresa Kufuor, Chief Justice Edward Kwame Wiredu, Ameer of the Ahamadiyya Mission, Maulvi Wahab Adam, Chief of Staff Kwadwo Mpiani, some Ministers of State attended the Service at which, the Right Reverend Isaac Quansah, Right Reverend Nuh Ben Abubekr and Right Reverend Joseph Bondzie were consecrated as Bishops of Cape Coast, Kumasi and Akyem Oda in that order.

President Kufuor underscored the critical role leadership played in the advancement of people, saying history had showed that it was the benchmark that moved human societies forward.

On why Ghanaians excelled everywhere they found themselves, while Ghana remained not developed, President Kufuor said it was important to recapture the golden spirit and humanity of the land, once called the Gold Coast to facilitate national development.

The President, a Catholic who attended a Methodist educational institution - Prempeh College, in Kumasi - expressed admiration for Methodist institutions and with his family, pledged a contribution of 20 million cedis towards the three-billion cedis Methodist University Hostel Project.

Vice President Mahama pledged 10 million cedis, Chief of Staff five million cedis, while the Ministers of State pledged between two million cedis and one million cedis.