Don't amend Church constitution - Prophet warned

Agona-Duakwa(C/R), April 25, GNA - The national executive of the Akim Akroso-based Pentecostal Church has warned the leader, Prophet J. K. Tawiah, not to amend the constitution of the Church. They gave the warning at an emergency national executive meeting at Agona Duakwa at the weekend to discuss problems facing the Church. Addressing the meeting attended by branch executives from the Greater Accra, Eastern and Central regions and other parts of the country, the National Executive Chairman, Nai Kwao Otuo V, explained that the constitution was prepared only a couple of years ago and adopted at the annual conference of the Church at Nazareth, near Akim-Akroso, last year.

He stated that on April 3, this year, a letter from Prophet Tawiah called on the national executive of the Church to amend six provisions in the constitution.

These include the periodic assessment of offerings, transfer of Pastors, financial operation, removal of the leadership and declaration of land and other immovable property acquired by the Church. According to Nai Otuo, the tone of the letter demonstrated Prophet Tawiah's intention to run the Church as his personal enterprise, forgetting that it was the members who contributed financially and materially towards the growth of the Church.

He said Prophet Tawiah's quest for the amendment indicated his desire to make the church "like a monarchy so that his off-springs would be leaders of the church forever".

The national executive after critically examining the contents of the letter, have decided to advice themselves should Prophet Tawiah press on with his demand to amend the approved constitution of the Church.

Nai Otuo appealed to branch leaders and members of the church to remain calm and to re-dedicate themselves to the work of Christ while efforts were pursued to resolve the impasse.