As the Easter season unfolds, Christian leaders across Ghana have called on Ghanaians to use this period as an opportunity to reflect on the power of love, sacrifice, and forgiveness. From the pulpit to the pews, religious leaders have come together, emphasising that Easter should not be just another holiday but a meaningful time for spiritual renewal and societal transformation.
The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC), the Methodist Church, the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, and the Church of Pentecost have all delivered powerful messages, urging the nation to embrace the spirit of Easter with a sense of responsibility towards each other and the world at large.
According to the GCBC, Easter serves as a reminder of the Paschal Mystery—the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is a time to embrace hope, faith, and renewal as believers commemorate the resurrection, which symbolises eternal life and victory over death. The bishops pointed out that the resurrection is more than a religious symbol; it is a call to break down barriers and promote unity across the world, regardless of race, creed, or nationality. “Through the cross and resurrection, God has created one common race and one family,” the bishops emphasised.
Most Rev. Prof. J. Kwabena Asamoah-Gyadu, the Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church Ghana, echoed similar sentiments, stating that the Easter season is an invitation to renew one’s personal commitment to love, compassion, and forgiveness. Asamoah-Gyadu highlighted that the Easter story is a testament to God’s love and redemption, urging Christians to live out these values in their daily lives. He pointed to several contemporary issues like galamsey (illegal mining), water pollution, and road accidents as challenges that need collective effort to resolve. The Easter message, he said, provides the hope needed to address such societal ills with resilience and integrity.
Rt. Rev. Dr. Hilliard K. Dela Dogbe, the Presiding Prelate of the AME Zion Church, took a deeper look into the sacrifice required for a better tomorrow. He explained that Easter represents a call for personal sacrifices, urging Ghanaians to let go of their comforts for the greater good, particularly in light of global and local economic challenges. Dogbe also mentioned the ongoing crisis in Bawku and the environmental impact of illegal mining as critical issues that demand collective sacrifice. He emphasised that true progress would come only when both citizens and leaders make sacrifices to foster peace, environmental stewardship, and unity.
Apostle Eric Nyamekye, the Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, took the opportunity to remind Christians not to allow the world’s secularisation of Easter to diminish its true meaning. He cautioned against reducing the celebration to mere festivities and instead urged the faithful to use the time to reflect on the significance of Jesus' death and resurrection. Nyamekye encouraged members to participate in the Easter Convention to renew their faith and foster a deeper spiritual connection.
Lastly, Rt Rev. Dr. Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, called on Christians to focus on the promise of new life that the resurrection offers. He emphasised that no matter the economic difficulties or political uncertainties that the world faces, the resurrection of Jesus Christ remains a beacon of hope for believers, urging Ghanaians to draw strength from this message of hope and unity in their personal and national struggles.
In this season of reflection, Easter has become more than just a religious observance; it is a call to action for all Christians and Ghanaians to contribute toward a more loving, peaceful, and united society. As these leaders urge, the time is now to make sacrifices and live out the values of Christ in every aspect of life.
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