SDA church to sanction corrupt members holding positions in government

The Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Ghana (SDA) says it will impose sanctions against members holding positions in government found guilty of dabbling in corrupt practices against the state.

The sanction, which includes suspension or excommunication, according to the church ethics, will deter other members from indulging in acts the church doctrines teach against that bring “shame” to the church. 

Former President of the South Central Ghana Conference of the SDA Church, Dr. Kwabena Annor- Boafo, said this on Saturday during a Camp Meeting service of the Amakom District of the SDA.

Dr. Annor-Boafo said the decision will help purge the image of the church as far as the fight against corruption in Ghana is concerned and it is the responsibility of the church to see their members applying its doctrines of living righteous lives.

“We have the church manual that explicitly spells out the appropriate sanctions against church members accused of corrupt practices. As a church, we frown on corruption because it is depriving the country of so much revenue and we do not expect our church members to engage in the act” he expalined.

“Members in key positions need to be warned of the church’s sanctions against them after the state had administered its punishment, either you will be suspended or excommunicated. We should all abide by the doctrines of the church which speak against social vices like corruption,” he added.

He however charged churches in the country to be bold to condemn corrupt practices permeating in every sphere of the country adding that the church cannot stand aloof while few people drain the country of its resources at the expense of the majority.

He therefore urged church leaders in the country to enforce stiffer punishments on members found guilty of misappropriating or embezzling funds belonging to the state, in the fight corruption.

Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Asante Yeboah Benedict