The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) has issued a strong call for Catholics to be discerning about the organizations they associate with, particularly those whose beliefs and practices are contrary to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
In their latest statement, the Bishops stated the importance of remaining faithful to Catholic teachings and seeking spiritual guidance from priests to navigate affiliations that may conflict with Christian values.
In a strongly worded statement, the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference reaffirmed the Catholic Church’s position on the necessity of spiritual vigilance, emphasizing that Catholics should align their affiliations with Church teachings.
The statement, signed by Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, President of the GCBC and Catholic Bishop of Sunyani, outlines the theological and doctrinal concerns regarding associations that contradict the core beliefs of Catholicism. The declaration comes amid increasing concerns about ideological influences that may lead Catholics away from the faith.
The Catholic Church has historically urged caution regarding participation in groups that promote ideologies conflicting with Christian doctrine. The Bishops’ statement reminds the faithful, “We urge all Catholics to remain vigilant and discerning about the organizations they associate with, particularly those whose beliefs and practices are contrary to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”
The Church teaches that aligning with such groups can present a risk to the spiritual integrity of believers and urges Catholics to prioritize their faith above all external affiliations.
The GCBC underscores the importance of seeking spiritual guidance in navigating such concerns. “Catholics are encouraged to seek spiritual guidance from their priests and to deepen their understanding of the faith through prayer, study, and participation in the life of the Church,” the statement continued.
The Bishops stress that prayer, scripture study, and engagement in the sacraments serve as powerful tools in equipping believers to recognize and avoid influences that contradict Catholic teachings.
This renewed call for vigilance aligns with longstanding Catholic doctrine that warns against ideologies promoting relativism, rationalism, and secular philosophies that conflict with divine revelation. The Bishops reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to safeguarding the spiritual well-being of its members, ensuring they remain steadfast in their faith and adherence to Catholic teachings.
“To remain strong in faith, we must be proactive in our spiritual journey, seeking the truth in the teachings of the Church and committing ourselves to a life of holiness,” the Bishops assert.
The statement also provides pastoral guidance for Catholics who may be struggling with their affiliations. It encourages believers to take an active role in their faith, engage in religious education, and cultivate a deeper relationship with Christ. “We remind the faithful that spiritual growth is achieved through a sincere commitment to the Gospel and by remaining steadfast in the teachings of Christ and His Church,” the Bishops emphasize.
As part of their ongoing guidance, the Bishops caution against associations that could lead Catholics away from the foundational tenets of their faith. They stress the importance of fostering spiritual resilience through constant engagement with Church teachings, the sacraments, and the Catholic community. “The Church urges all members to remain rooted in prayer and doctrine as they navigate their faith in an increasingly pluralistic world,” the statement concludes.
The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference remains committed to guiding Catholics in their spiritual journeys and ensuring they uphold the integrity of their faith.
They called on all Catholics to remain discerning in their affiliations and to seek the wisdom and guidance of the Church in all aspects of their lives. “May the Catholic faithful in Ghana continue to grow in their love for God, the Church, and the truth, and may they be guided always by the light of the Holy Spirit in their spiritual journeys,” the Bishops pray.
Read the full statement below