‘Churches should be regulated internally, not by government’

By
Julius K. Satsi, GNA
    

Accra, Aug. 21, GNA – The Right Reverend Dr
Seth Senyo Agidi, the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Evangelical
Presbyterian Church, Ghana (EPCG), has said though the Church ought to be
regulated, internal regulation is the best option.

“We must be regulated but we do not want the
Government to regulate us. We want internal regulation,” he said.

Rt. Rev Agidi was speaking in an interview
with the Ghana News Agency during the 50th Anniversary celebration of the EPCG,
Bubiashie Parish, at the weekend.

It was on the theme: “For God Has Already
Placed Jesus Christ As One And Only Foundation, And No Other Foundation Can Be
Laid – 1 Corinthians 3:11”.

Rt. Rev Agidi said pastors must be trained and
certified before being given the responsibility to lead the children of God.

He said Jesus Christ, during his time on
earth, trained his disciples for three years before leaving the Church in their
care.

He, therefore, urged the leadership of the
various denominations to institute some form of self-regulation to ensure that
anyone leading God’s children was certified.

“Professionals including doctors, nurses and
teachers were trained and certified. Why then should someone stand and say
because I can read the bible, I am a Pastor?” he queried.

On taxing the churches, the Moderator said the
Church had long been paying taxes to government through the deductions on the
salaries of its agents and profits of its institutions.

“If the Government is saying churches must pay
tax, we want it to be well defined. Government must come clear with the
explanation on the type of taxes.”

He noted that over the years, reputable
churches had established schools, hospitals and other amenities, which had been
instrumental in the country’s development, adding that some of the funds used
were drawn from tithes and offerings.

Rt. Rev. Agidi said churches that run other
profitable ventures must definitely pay taxes on their activities.

GNA

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