Church Cannot Be Silenced on Moral and Social Issues- Catholic Bishops to Mary Awusi

A statement from their outfit said the church cannot be silenced in the face of moral and social concerns.

The statement explained that the church is the light of the world and therefore, has the right and duty to speak on issues that are harmful to the country.

“The Church, by her nature and divine mandate, cannot remain silent in the face of moral and social concerns. Christ calls His Church to be “the light of the world” and “the salt of the earth” (cf. Matthew 5:13–14). Therefore, when issues arise that threaten human dignity, the integrity of creation, or the common good—such as the grave harm caused by illegal mining—the Church has both the right and the duty to speak. This is not partisan politics; it is a moral responsibility rooted in the Gospel,” the statement said.

The statement cautioned that they do not expect such comments from people who have been entrusted with power.

“While it has been reported that Dr Awusi has since apologised, we must respectfully state that such remarks do not foster the mutual respect needed in public discourse. Statements that equate moral witness with political partisanship risk narrowing the space for ethical reflection. We do not expect such expressions from those entrusted with public responsibility; rather, we encourage respectful and constructive dialogue.”

Read The Full Statement Below

𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗢𝗡 𝗧𝗛�� 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗛𝗘𝗧𝗜𝗖 𝗥𝗢𝗟𝗘 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗛𝗨𝗥𝗖𝗛 𝗜𝗡 𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗟𝗜𝗙𝗘

𝙁𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙬 𝙂𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙞𝙖𝙣𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙥𝙚𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡,

𝙂𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙥𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙂𝙤𝙙 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙁𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙇𝙤𝙧𝙙 𝙅𝙚𝙨𝙪𝙨 𝘾𝙝𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙩.

In recent days, public attention has been drawn to a statement made by Dr Mary Awusi concerning Apostle Eric Nyamekye, Chairman of the Church of Pentecost. Dr Awusi is reported to have cautioned that if the Chairman continues to speak on matters such as illegal mining, “he should be ready to be treated as a politician.” This remark has generated significant discussion within our national life.

The Church, by her nature and divine mandate, cannot remain silent in the face of moral and social concerns. Christ calls His Church to be “the light of the world” and “the salt of the earth” (cf. Matthew 5:13–14). Therefore, when issues arise that threaten human dignity, the integrity of creation, or the common good—such as the grave harm caused by illegal mining—the Church has both the right and the duty to speak. This is not partisan politics; it is a moral responsibility rooted in the Gospel.

In a democratic society, a proper distinction exists between religious and political roles. Yet this must not silence the voice of conscience. The Church does not seek power but strives to illuminate public life with truth. When she speaks on justice, peace, and care for creation, she does so as a moral guide concerned for all.

While it has been reported that Dr Awusi has since apologised, we must respectfully state that such remarks do not foster the mutual respect needed in public discourse. Statements that equate moral witness with political partisanship risk narrowing the space for ethical reflection. We do not expect such expressions from those entrusted with public responsibility; rather, we encourage respectful and constructive dialogue.

We also note with appreciation the calm and respectful support offered by members of the Christian community. Such responses reflect solidarity and restraint, reminding us that Christian leadership requires both courage and charity.

Dear brothers and sisters, this moment calls us to be instruments of peace. Let us avoid division and promote dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.

To public officials, we appeal for openness to the moral voice of the Church and all people of goodwill. To clergy and lay leaders, we encourage fidelity in proclaiming the truth with prudence and love.

Finally, we entrust our beloved nation, Ghana, to Almighty God. 

𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝐇𝐞 𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐮𝐬 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞.

𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭,

MOST REV. MATTHEW KWASI GYAMFI

BISHOP OF SUNYANI AND PRESIDENT,

GHANA CATHOLIC BISHOPS’ CONFERENCE

TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2026

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