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INDIVIDUAL INVOLVEMENT IN POLITICS
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.— 1 Timothy 2:1-3.
When we talk about a Christian’s political movement, we should realize. that not all involvement is physical. For example, a group of people may meet everyday to pray for the street people. From the world’s perspective they are skirting the real task, withdrawing from the misery on the street. But praying for street ministries is both biblical and a vibrant spiritual involvement. The power of prayer is immeasurable and vital.
Each individual has to seek his or her calling from God. Christ calls people to different ministries. We cannot assume that everyone must have our calling, nor can we prescribe a calling for another individual. Another person’s role within the body of Christ will be different from ours.
Some of us are called to reform politics from within the structure. Others of us are called to be part of a citizen endeavour. Some of us are called to serveon a local school body board or city council. Others may be involved in acitizen group to fight child abuse.
As Christians called to involvement in politics in whatever form, our real mission is to affirm our love and obedience to Christ. Our long-term commitment and our immediate commitment are one and the same – to serve as ambassadors of Jesus Christ; to be the voice, the healing, and the reconciling and liberating force of Jesus. We have Christ in us, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27). We are witnesses of redemption, of the Good News. As Christians, that mission must undergird our role in politics, just as it is evidenced in our family lives and our role in the marketplace.
Sin manifests itself in evil, in oppression, in injustice, in jealousy, in rivalry, in hate, in poverty. The basic Christian values are the exact opposite – healing, reconciling, encouraging, feeding the poor, visiting the sick and the prisoners. We have the message of the Good News that indeed God has dealt with the forces of injustice and evil. We have the armour of the Word of God and the energizing of the Holy Spirit. We must be involved in both ministry and politics – in the unique way God has called each of us to serve.
THE DYNAMICS OF DIVERSITY
We are responsible to bring the message of Christ into every facet of life. We can join a political party, write to ourparliamentarians, march, hold a vigil or do other things that call attention to what needs to be done for the betterment of peoples’ lives. But while we do these things, we have to be careful that our political agendas do not become a divisive force within the Body of Christ.
There is great danger when someone says, “This is the Christian position on a certain political issue.” That implies that any other viewpoint is not Christian. Political standsdo not determine our salvation; our relationship to the person of Jesus Christ does. I think that relationship alone determines our right to be called a Christian.
What Can We Do When We Disagree with Other Christians Politically?
We can retain our political convictions and still be united with other Christians. To experience that, a basis of love is required. We discuss the issue we disagree on, but we realize that hey are secondary to our love for each other and our love for Christ.
How can Christians Agree to Disagree on Political Issues?
1. Listen to one another. Too often we jump to conclusions about the opposite side of an issue without listening to what the people on it have to say.
2. Make the Bible your anchor. We must hold one another to the biblical context and theological norms. We must remember the church’s tradition of moral reflection.
3. Dig into discussion. We need to present the different options and urge all sides to discuss the issues. That’s how our consciences are formed.
4. Love, don’t leave. There will be times when, after we have discussed all sides of an issue, we will not be able to agree with other Christians. Then we accept them, remembering not what divides us, but what binds us together – Christ’s love.
CONCLUSION
Christians will often disagree on political matters. But we should not disagree on the underlying moral principles, and we most definitely should not interpret moral principles from the vantage point of our own self-interest. When this happens, we discredit ourselves and the wonderful gospel for which we claim to stand.
Source:Adapted from the book “Practical Christianity” – The Down to Earth Guide to Heavenly Living.
Stay Blessed!
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UTAG, TUTAG, and CETAG threaten strike over delayed book and research allowance
The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), the Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG), and the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) have jointly issued a demand for the immediate payment of their Book and Research Allowance.
They have further indicated that failure by the government to honour this obligation will compel them to embark on a nationwide strike effective Thursday, June 13, 2025.
In a statement issued today, under the headline ‘Exchange Rate and Payment for the Book and Research (BRA) Allowance’ indicates that“The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), the Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG), and the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana(CETAG) wish to express our deep concern and discontent over the undue delay in releasing the exchange rate for the book and research allowance and payment.”
According to them, this delay has caused significant uncertainty and frustration among our members, who depend on this critical support for their research and academic work.
They noted that at a joint meeting held on June 8, 2025, the undersigned unions unanimously resolved that the government must, as a matter of urgency, release the exchange rate and commence the payment process for the book and research allowance to our members.
“Despite the late release of the rates.we have resolved that we will not accept an extension of payments beyond September 2025. We
stress that this allowance is a statutory entitlement under our Conditions of Service and an essential resource for advancing research, teaching, and knowledge sharing,” they added.
The joint statement further added that“We hereby notify all stakeholders that if the government fails to
UTAG, TUTAG, and CETAG threaten strike over delayed book and research allowance
The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), the Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG), and the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) have jointly issued a demand for the immediate payment of their Book and Research Allowance.
They have further indicated that failure by the government to honour this obligation will compel them to embark on a nationwide strike effective Thursday, June 13, 2025.
In a statement issued today, under the headline ‘Exchange Rate and Payment for the Book and Research (BRA) Allowance’ indicates that“The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), the Technical University Teachers Association5 of Ghana (TUTAG), and the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana(CETAG) wish to express our deep concern and discontent over the undue delay in releasing the exchange rate for the book and research allowance and payment.”
According to them, this delay has caused significant uncertainty and frustration among our members, who depend on this critical support for their research and academic work.
They noted that at a joint meeting held on June 8, 2025, the undersigned unions unanimously resolved that the government must, as a matter of urgency, release the exchange rate and commence the payment process for the book and research allowance to our members.
“Despite the late release of the rates.we have resolved that we will not accept an extension of payments beyond September 2025. We
stress that this allowance is a statutory entitlement under our Conditions of Service and an essential resource for advancing research, teaching, and knowledge sharing,” they added.
The joint statement further added that“We hereby notify all stakeholders that if the government fails to commence the payment process by the 13th of June 2025, this will be considered a strike notice by UTAG, TUTAG, and CETAG across all campuses to the government.”
“We urge the government to act swiftly to avert any disruption to the academic calendar and to ensure that the welfare of teachers and the broader academic community is prioritised,” the statement concluded.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
News
Chief Imam endorses ‘Let Love Lead’s’ clean-up campaign at Nkrumah Circle
The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, has thrown his weight behind the upcoming city-wide clean-up exercise scheduled for Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Kwame Nkrumah Circle.
The revered Islamic leader gave his blessing during a consultative meeting with organisers of the exercise, calling the initiative a “commendable national duty” that aligns with both religious and civic responsibility.
The clean-up, which marks the third edition of a growing sanitation drive, is being organised by community stakeholders and supported by civil society groups.
This year’s exercise is especially symbolic as it coincides with the 10th anniversary of the June 3, 2015 flood and fire disaster that claimed over 150 lives at the same location.
“The well-being of our people and the cleanliness of our environment are acts of faith and service,” the Chief Imam said.
“We must all come together—Christians, Muslims, traditionalists, and non-religious people alike—to honour the memory of those lost and prevent future tragedies,” He added.
Organisers, ‘Let Love Lead’, say the Chief Imam’s endorsement adds significant moral weight to the campaign, which already enjoys growing national support.
Engagements have also been held with traditional rulers, MPs, government officials, and social influencers to galvanise wider participation.
This year’s event is expected to go beyond sanitation. Side activities include medical outreach, disaster preparedness education, interfaith prayers, and donations to victims of the June 3 disaster.
Nene Lartey Osakonor I (Big Dawood), a traditional leader spearheading coordination, described the Chief Imam’s support as “invaluable.”
He said, “We are deeply honoured by the Chief Imam’s endorsement.
“His message is a powerful reminder that sanitation is not just a government or NGO responsibility—it’s a spiritual and civic duty,” he added.
More institutions, volunteers, and media houses are expected to join the campaign as the date draws near.
