“We are shaming ourselves” – Bishop Asare decries monetisation of priestly ministry

At a time when the Catholic Church continues to emphasise the integrity of priestly service, Auxiliary Bishop of Accra, Most Rev. Anthony Narh Asare, has lamented the growing practice of priests demanding money for spiritual services.

Delivering a homily at the 2026 Benefactors’ Day celebration at St. Paul’s Catholic Seminary, Sowutuom on May 17, Bishop Asare warned seminarians against adopting what he described as a troubling culture of commercialising ministry.

“Even the blessing of cars and of homes, some priests are demanding money,” he said, recounting real-life experiences to underline his concern. He noted that such practices risk distorting the essence of the priesthood, which, he stressed, is rooted in selfless service.

Drawing from pastoral encounters, the bishop narrated how a woman delayed presenting her car for blessing because she felt pressured to prepare a “worthy” envelope. “A friend told her…the way the car is new, the envelope too has to be new,” he said, lamenting how such expectations burden the faithful and misrepresent the Church.

“You see how we are shaming ourselves,” he told the seminarians, urging them to resist negative influences. “We are given freely, we have to give back freely,” the bishop added.

Bishop Asare reminded the future priests that the Church’s tradition allows the faithful to request prayers and Mass intentions regardless of their financial situation. “If you don’t have money, you approach the priest…‘Father, I don’t have money, but pray for me.’ Why not?” he asked.

He further criticised announcements in some parishes that appear to tie spiritual benefits to financial contributions, insisting that offerings must remain voluntary and never coerced.

Highlighting examples of generosity within the Church, he pointed to individuals who have offered years of service to the seminary community without financial reward, describing such commitment as the true witness expected of clergy.

Watch full homily below