The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has issued a stern warning to Catholics involved in irresponsible and illegal mining, also known as galamsey, stating that anyone found to persist in such activities will face “appropriate ecclesiastical sanctions” in accordance with the norms of Canon Law.
This declaration was made at the close of the 2024 Plenary Assembly, held in the Obuasi Diocese, and was read by the President of the Conference, who is also the Bishop of the Sunyani Diocese, at the St. Thomas Cathedral on November 15.
In their communique, the Bishops emphasized that both clergy and the faithful must stand against the environmental destruction caused by galamsey. They specifically called on Deacons, Priests, Bishops, and all Catholics to live out their baptismal promises by “standing up both publicly against illegal and irresponsible mining wherever and whenever it rears its diabolical head.”
“We vehemently admonish any Catholic involved in this activity to STOP with immediate effect!” the Bishops stated.
The Bishops also addressed the ethical responsibility of the clergy to question the sources of wealth from donors, particularly those whose financial gain might be tied to illicit activities. “Let all the clergy endeavour to question the sources of wealth of those who may be suspected of dubious dealings,” the communique urged.
“If it is obvious that the source of wealth of a donor is illegal and irresponsible mining, their donations must be rejected.”
“Any Catholic who is found out to persist in this crime will be liable for appropriate ecclesiastical sanctions pursuant to the norms of Canon Law,” the communique said.
Canon Law and Ecclesiastical Sanctions
Canon Law, the body of laws and regulations developed or adopted by the Catholic Church, provides a legal framework for applying ecclesiastical sanctions. The purpose of Canon Law is to guide the spiritual, ethical, and organizational conduct of the Church’s members, both clergy and laity.
Canon 1311: Gives the Church the authority to impose penalties for violations of law, and these penalties may include excommunication, suspension, or other sanctions.
Canon 1341-1342: Describe the process for imposing ecclesiastical sanctions, including the importance of due process, warnings, and the goal of reforming the person involved.
Canon 1331-1333: Specifically discuss the effects of excommunication and how it can be lifted if the individual repents.
Ecclesiastical sanctions in the Catholic Church are penalties or disciplinary measures imposed for violations of Church law (Canon Law). These sanctions are meant to correct behavior, protect the community, and encourage repentance and reconciliation. Canon Law outlines specific procedures and penalties for various offenses, and ecclesiastical sanctions are an important tool for maintaining order and ensuring the moral and doctrinal integrity of the Church.
Process and Application of Sanctions
Ecclesiastical sanctions are generally applied after an investigation into the offense is conducted, and the individual has been given an opportunity to repent or correct their actions. In some cases, sanctions are automatic (latae sententiae), such as excommunication for the act of abortion or apostasy. However, more often, sanctions are imposed after a formal process, including an investigation and a judgment.
The goal of ecclesiastical sanctions is not only to punish but also to restore the individual to communion with the Church. Many sanctions, such as excommunication, can be lifted through repentance, confession, and acts of reconciliation.
In cases of excommunication or other grave sanctions, the individual may seek reconciliation with the Church through confession and penance, and the penalty may be lifted.
Watch the communique below
