The 8th Annual Synod of the Northern Accra Diocese of the Methodist Church Ghana opened in Accra yesterday, with a strong call on the government to maintain the current structure governing mission schools in the country.

Delivering his address, the Diocesan Bishop, Rt Rev. Andrew Mbeah-Baiden, cautioned against adopting proposals from the Constitutional Review Committee that seek to alter the existing system.

He warned that implementing such changes could create challenges for both church and state.

According to him, any attempt to liberalise mission schools and render them fully secular could undermine discipline, weaken the long-standing harmonious relationship among faiths, and ultimately defeat the evangelistic purpose for which these institutions were established.

“Evangelism remains a core reason for the establishment of these schools. There is no need to reverse a system through which mission institutions have significantly complemented government efforts across various sectors,” he emphasised.

The six-day programme, which will climax with a thanksgiving service on Sunday, will also see the election of a new Diocesan Bishop for a three-year term. The Synod is being held on the theme: “Walking in the Word; Equipped for Every Good Work.”

Rt Rev. Mbeah-Baiden also used the platform to appeal to Parliament to expedite action on the LGBTQ+ Bill, urging its passage for presidential assent to bring finality to the issue, which he said has attracted widespread concern from religious leaders and the broader society.

He further expressed concern about what he described as the misuse of the Bible by some lottery forecasting groups that circulate unsolicited messages under the label “Lotto Bible.”

He called on the government to direct the National Lottery Authority to address the situation to protect the sanctity of scripture and the Authority’s image.

Touching on the theme of the Synod, the Bishop described it as a divine call for the church to realign with the teachings of Christ and reject false doctrines, moral compromise and internal divisions.

He noted that the rise of deceptive teachings, cultural pressures and spiritual apathy makes the message particularly urgent.

“Many are abandoning the faith or twisting it for personal gain. Every generation faces moral and spiritual decline, but renewal comes through a return to the true teachings of Jesus Christ,” he said.

He reminded congregants that the Scriptures, delivered through the prophets, are divinely inspired and must be studied, cherished and obeyed.

He urged ministers to correct and rebuke in love and wisdom, while encouraging church members to remain humble and receptive to correction.

Rt Rev. Mbeah-Baiden also highlighted the Diocese’s ongoing development initiatives, built on the foundation of previous administrations.

These include monthly online prayer meetings, the establishment of a Diocesan Mission Development Fund, progress on an office complex, the creation of a Superfund, formation of a media team, and a children’s camp project.

He further cited renovation support provided to chapels at Manhean, Peacetown, Ayikai Doblo, Papase, Ehorkope and Mepemehuasem, among others, and commended members and the wider Methodist community for their continued support and prayers.