Christian Council slams gospel artistes

The Christian Council of Ghana has descended heavily on players in the music industry who fan religious bigotry, following a recent attack on French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo by insurgents.

The attack left 12 including editor Stephane Charbonnier dead.

Speaking on TV3’s Midday Live on Friday, January 16, General Secretary of the Council Reverend Dr Kwabena Opuni-Frimpong said a high sense of tolerance must be exercised by all in the wake of heightened religious tensions.

He said gospel musicians who compose songs against traditional religion are those who must err on the side of caution.

“You are trampling on the sensibilities of some people,” he said about those who explicitly compose songs to damn paganism.

“That is not entertainment. You don’t joke with the heart of people like that.”

He commended the peaceful co-existence of religious groups in Ghana but called for strict observation of religious sensitivity.

“We must respect people for what they believe if even you don’t cherish those things,” Rev. Dr. Opuni-Frimpong admonished.

He was also critical of the way “hurts” and “pains” are expressed when sensitivities are dented.

“I think we can be non-violent in our effort to get what we want.”