Evangelische Bank eG
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Ghana: Interfaith Dialogue
Ghana: Interfaith Dialogue
The various religions in Ghana mostly live peacefully side by side. To ensure that everything stays this way, private and governmental institutions support the dialogue between the religions continuously. The Presbyterian Church is also actively engaged at local level.
The majority of Ghanaians (about 70 per cent) are Christian but Islam and traditional African religions also play a major role. Religious freedom is a priority in Ghana. At every public holiday, prayers from all faiths are on the agenda. At school, children get to know the different religions and learn to respect them. Many families consist of members of both Christian and Muslim faith.
Dialogue promotes peace and respect
The Presbyterian Church in Ghana (PCG) intends to preserve and promote this peace since there are occasional violent outbreaks between religious groups, even in this country. That is why the church runs the “Presbyterian Inter-faith Research and Resource Centre” (PIRRC). Co-workers often see the cause of religious conflicts in a lack of knowledge and dialogue between religions.
Dr. Solomon Sule-Saa, Dean of the PCG in the Northern Presbytery, explains it like this: “Ignorance leads to fear and mistrust, but a deeper understanding and respect for others and their faith brings peace.” As a converted Muslim, Dr. Sule-Saa knows exactly what he is talking about.
Ghana
28.3 million inhabitants, of which approx. 19% are Protestants
Promoting genuine encounter
The PIRRC organises conferences, seminars, symposiums and workshops with topics that include the relationship between Christians and Muslims from a theological and socio-political aspect, good neighbourliness and peaceful coexistence. The target groups at these events are very varied, ranging from female and male pastors, lay pastors, female and male representatives of other religions to young adults and students. However, the majority of participants are mainly women.
A four-day women’s conference takes place every year when Ghanaian women of various faiths come together to discuss a variety of topics. Every individual is important when it comes to preserving peace.
Project goals
Compared with the rest of Africa, Ghana enjoys very high internal political stability. Various religions coexist more or less in peace – the majority are Christians but Islam and traditional African religions also play a major role. The Presbyterian Church in Ghana (PCG) wants to preserve this peace. This was the aim of starting the “Presbyterian Inter-faith Research and Resource Centre” (PIRRC). The centre promotes inter-faith dialogue and helps preserve peace between the religions.
Project work
The Presbyterian Church in Ghana (PCG) promotes peace through the “Presbyterian Inter-faith Research and Resource Centre” (PIRRC) and dialogue on theological and socio-political issues. The PIRRC organises conferences, seminars and workshops. The target groups include female and male pastors, female and male representatives of other religions, young adults and especially women. A women’s conference takes place every year when Ghanaian women of various faiths come together is discuss a variety of topics.
Project partner
The Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG) is the oldest Christian church in Ghana. It originated in 1828 from the world of the Basel Mission. In 1926, it became independent and adopted its present name. It has about 870,000 members. The PCG runs educational institutions from kindergartens and primary schools through to secondary schools and vocational schools and it sponsors four hospitals, several regional clinics and mobile basic health care services. The EMS supports the PCG mainly development programmes in education and health care.
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