Pastors to benefit from new insurance scheme

Accra, Aug. 26, GNA- Through the initiative of the International Council for Clergy (ICC), an affiliate of the US-based Council of Black Clergy, Ghanaian Christian clerics, would be enjoying an insurance scheme that would offer them end-of service packages. The insurance scheme, which would embrace the spouses and children of the beneficiaries, is part of a five-year development plan of the ICC, which kicks start before the end of the year.

Rt. Rev. Dr. George Slezer Ofori-Atta, Presiding Archbishop of the Council, who made this known in Accra at the weekend, during an ordination service to admit 20 members to the global body said other components of the plan include the establishment of an Information, Technology and Communication Centre to train the youth and an orphanage. He said the Council, in collaboration with the Ixthus Church Council in London had already established a health clinic in Ghana.

Rt. Rev. Ofori-Atta asked journalists not to arrogate to themselves the role to interpret the Bible to the public.

He noted that there are men of God who have Philosophy degrees in Theology and could offer their expertise to any journalist who seeks to know any aspect of the Bible.

" No man of God could tell Journalists what journalism is about. In the same vein journalists should be humble enough to approach people who know the Bible better in the course of the work," he said. Apostle Daniel Kwame Saforo, 81, the only surviving founding member of the Ghana Pentecostal Council, took a swipe on members of the clergy, who he said had been blinded by the love for money and thereby undermining the work of God.

"The commitment is not there these days and so people are not preaching Christ but rather seeking to project themselves." He said the salvation of Ghana lied in the hands of dedicated and committed Christians who were ready to pray to reverse the moral degeneration confronting, especially the youth such as drug abuse and armed robbery.

"Only prayer can change the destiny of Ghana. Prayer is powerful than an atomic bomb."

Rt. Rev. Dr. Simon Asore, past Head of the Assemblies of God Church, told the new members of the ICC that they would meet challenges in their missionary work, hence the need to remain disciplined and seek the face of God.

The newly ordained members of the Council comprised Pastor Love Hammond husband of the gospel musician; Christiana Love, who and teamed up with ace gospel artistes; the Tagoe sisters, to treat the large enthusiastic congregation at the Faith Evangelical Church to a variety of gospel songs.

They were presented with certificates, after undergoing three months training in church administration, Bible theology and sociology. Members of the ICC are exposed to international assistance in ecclesiastical assignments, Bible school education; participate in international conferences, seminars and conventions The Council is affiliated to the International Ministerial Independent and Word Council of Independent Christian Churches and Independent Assemblies of God International. Membership of the ICC is on corporate, associate or individual basis.