The Assemblies of God (AG), Ghana, has directed all its ministers and pastors to stop using honorary titles such as “Dr” following the directive from the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), that it does not recognise honorary titles as being equivalent to earned academic qualifications.

According to graphic.com.gh, the directive was issued in a circular dated July 11 and signed by the church’s General Secretary, Rev Ernest Birikorang (PhD).

In the circular, pastors were reminded of the need to uphold the integrity of the ministry and avoid potential conflicts with the regulator.

It also clarified that pastors who have received honorary doctorate degrees, whether from an accredited or non-accredited institution, must refrain from using the title “Dr” before their names.

It also advised ministers who have legitimately earned academic degrees such as bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD to be ready to submit their certificates to GTEC for verification if they wish to have those qualifications officially recognised by the church.

The directive warned that any pastor who fails to comply or is found to conflict with GTEC regulations will face suspension.

Refrain from the misuse of honorary academic titles - GTEC cautions stakeholders

While citing the church’s General Superintendent, Rev Stephen Wengam, as an example in the circular, Rev Ernest Birikorang urged pastors to follow his lead.

It will be recalled that, last year, Rev Wengam publicly announced that although he had been conferred an honorary doctorate, he had voluntarily stopped using the title “Dr” and encouraged fellow ministers to do the same.

Rev Birikorang expressed confidence that church ministers would comply with the directive, emphasising that such adherence would preserve the credibility of the ministry and demonstrate respect for Ghana’s educational regulatory framework.

He further stated that by aligning with these directives, the Assemblies of God positions itself as one of the first major Christian denominations in Ghana to formally instruct its ministers to refrain from using honorary academic titles.

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