Churches should be regulated internally, not by government – Clergyman

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.

Source: GNA