The President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Bishop Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, has delivered a strong pastoral charge to the newly ordained Bishop of Jasikan, calling for a ministry rooted in radical love that reaches all, without exception.
Preaching during the ordination and installation Mass of Bishop Simon Kofi Appiah at the St. Peter Claver Cathedral, Jasikan, Bishop Gyamfi urged the new bishop to embody his episcopal motto “God is Love (Deus Caritas Est)” in concrete and demanding ways.
In one of the most striking moments of the homily, he emphasised the breadth of pastoral responsibility entrusted to the bishop.
“Let this love be known to those who have strayed from their Catholic practice, those uncertain and confused by the manifold challenges in their daily lives. Let this love touch the broken-hearted… the prostitutes and LGBTQ++.”
He continued with an even broader call, “Yes, show same love to the corrupt politicians and corrupt public officials, the refugees, the drug addicts, non-communicants… the old and the young and all who are easily forgotten and left behind because nobody hears their cry.”
The GCBC President stressed that the bishop’s calling is not selective but universal, requiring him to love both the embraced and the rejected, the faithful and the fallen.
At the same time, Bishop Gyamfi underscored that such love must be deeply rooted in the truth of the Gospel and the teachings of the Church, noting that pastoral compassion should never dilute moral responsibility.
“Real kindness and compassion towards those in difficulties should not compromise the deposit of the faith… nor prevent you from being strict in respect of morality, its principles and laws.”
Reflecting on the demands of episcopal ministry, he reminded Bishop Appiah that loving all people equally, especially those who may reject or criticise him, would be one of the most difficult aspects of his vocation.
“Your office requires you to love not only those who love you but to love your enemies and those who hate and persecute you… those who even think you are a disaster and failure.”
The homily formed part of a broader message encouraging collaboration within the diocese, calling on clergy, religious, and lay faithful to support the new bishop in his mission.
Bishop Gyamfi also paid tribute to the outgoing bishop, Bishop Gabriel Kwasi Ababio Manteh, commending his nearly three decades of service and the solid foundation he has laid for the growth of the diocese.
As Bishop Simon Kofi Appiah assumes leadership of the Jasikan Diocese, the Ghanaian episcopate made it clear that his ministry should reflect a Church that remains firm in truth while extending love to all, especially those on the margins, without losing its grounding in the Gospel.
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