The inaugural Ecumenical Convention, organized by the Christian Council of Ghana (CCG), officially commenced today, November 15, 2025.
Under the theme: “Uniting the Body of Christ for Greater Impact,” the convention is a crucial initiative aimed at strengthening Christian unity across denominations within Ghana and the diaspora.
The event is being hosted at the University of Ghana and features a comprehensive program including: Seminars and Workshops, Awards Ceremony, Health Sessions and the the launch of a financial literacy and entrepreneurship programme.
The convention’s key objectives are to empower local church councils, promote collaboration, enhance leadership capacity, and build a unified Christian voice on critical national issues.
Call for Unity from the General Secretary
In his welcoming address, the General Secretary of the Council, Reverend Cyril Fayose, hailed the event as a “special day in the life of the Church in Ghana.”
He asserted that the convention affirms the imperative for the Christian Community to be united in the body of Christ and strengthen ecumenism. Rev. Fayose posited that for National Unity to be meaningful, a visible local unity within the church must first exist. He added that if the church is to project a louder voice, that voice must emanate from the grassroots.
The event, he said, offers an opportunity to collectively rediscover the power of unity, celebrate rich diversity, and find ways to collaborate more effectively for Ghana’s national development.
Rev. Fayose emphasized that the convention’s theme challenges participants to remember that Christ’s mission is fundamentally greater than any single denomination. He urged attendees to use the convention to renew their commitment to the vision of the local council of churches: “Responding to the social, moral, and spiritual needs of the people, advocating for justice and peace, caring for the vulnerable, and proclaiming Christ through both words and deeds.”
He expressed optimism that this maiden edition would set new standards of cooperation, strengthen bonds of trust between churches, and empower them to champion the nation with renewed vigour and pursue a collective Christian agenda for Ghana.
The Mandate for Greater Impact
Bishop Charles Aban, Chief Executive Officer of Rick Hospital and Chairman for the opening ceremony, underscored the Christian community’s need to make a greater impact.
He stated that the event provides an essential opportunity to protect the unity in the body of Christ—a divine mandate of the church—stressing that “our ability to serve is critical.”
He charged churches to remember that “what binds us together is far greater than what divides us.” Bishop Aban concluded by expressing gratitude to the CCG for the convention, affirming that the church’s strength lies in unity and a united purpose to expand God’s kingdom.
Regional Perspective and National Concerns
Representing the Fellowship of Christian Councils and Churches in West Africa (FECCIWA), Reverend Mike Teye described the convention as a significant opportunity, noting FECCIWA’s own commitment to fostering unity in the sub-region.
Rev. Teye highlighted the importance of unity, as it establishes Christians as a united front with a collective agenda to engage power and demand accountability. He specifically stressed the urgent national need to rescue Ghana from the damaging effects of illegal mining, popularly known as ‘galamsey’. He also commended the CCG for its foundational role in establishing FECCIWA.
Support from the University of Ghana
A speech read on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, stated that the University of Ghana Chaplaincy Board has consistently championed the cause of interfaith relations and peaceful coexistence.
She noted that the university’s 2024 five-year strategic plan has its fourth strategic priority focused on engagements and partnerships. Consequently, the university was pleased to support the convention, as it perfectly resonates with its objective to establish and strengthen strategic partnerships for mutual benefit.
Speaking on behalf of the Special Guest of Honour, former Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, Mr. Fred Oware commended the CCG for its dedicated service to the church over the years.
He described the convention as a bold initiative that will help unite the Christian community. Mr. Oware emphasized that the theme was crucial as it reminds Christians of the need for unity despite the denominational differences across Ghanaian churches.
He conveyed the former leader’s belief in the second coming of Christ and called on Christians to live like Christ the saviour, adding that the church is one, irrespective of denomination.
He stressed the imperative for the Church to have a single voice and unite towards national development, emphasizing that spirituality is integral to humanity, and worship must be rendered to the Lord “in truth and in spirit.”
Participating Churches
The convention is being attended by the five pioneering churches of the CCG—the Methodist Church Ghana, the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, the Anglican Church, the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, and the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Zion Church—alongside participants from other denominations, with the collective aim of fostering profound unity within the Christian community.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
