Ecumenical Activities Of The Local Council Of Churches In Madina, Accra

ABSTRACT

Based on the commission and the highly priestly prayer of Jesus Christ as shown in Matthew 28: 18-20 and John 21:17 respectively, the study examined the main contributions of the grassroots ecumenism in the Madina township, Accra, the impact of the activities of the Local Council of Churches and the way forward. Relevant literature and books on the subject have been reviewed. A Questionnaire was administered to 291 participants (10 executives and 281 members) with age range between 15 and 60 years. They were conveniently sampled from 6 churches, namely, Presbyterian, Methodist, Evangelical Presbyterian, Catholic, Lutheran and Baptist Churches respectively), within the area. On the main contributions of grassroots ecumenism the executive members said implementing of programmes such as Bible Week and Christian Home Week celebrations and socialization, cleaning exercises, fund raising in support of evangelism and recreational activities foster unity and cooperation. On the other hand, the members said the Council contributes a lot to the town through Christian Home Week celebrations, fun games, Bible week celebrations and Easter activities as well as fund raising and clean-up exercises. On the impact of the Local Council of Churches on the people, all the executive members indicated that the activities foster unity, peace and cooperation among community members. It also promotes spiritual growth, moral sensitization and social harmony among the people. Responses from the Church members corroborated with those of the executive members that the Council helps to promote and foster unity and cooperation among the Churches in the area. They also indicated that the Council helps to encourage education on moral training, parenting and conflict management in the area. On the way forward, the executive members stated that members and leaders of the various Churches should be more committed and dedicated. The members on the other hand, responded that it is very important for all Churches in the locality to come together to foster unity and cooperation for better development.