The Director of Church Life and Nurture, Rev. Andrew Shardow, says the Presbyterian Church of Ghana has no legislation requiring that first services in congregations be conducted solely in English.
He made the clarification on Tuesday during his department’s turn on PCG Connect at the Ramseyer Training Centre, Abetifi. Rev. Shardow explained that the history of first services varies across congregations. Many began as English services, but over time, congregations adjusted their approach based on context and the needs of their members.
“Some congregations decided that the first service should not be defined by language but by time—allowing people to worship early and attend to other responsibilities,” he said. He stressed that there is currently no law mandating English-only first services.
Congregations manage their worship schedules according to their context. However, he noted that the matter, having been raised, will be reviewed through the appropriate committees to determine whether any constitutional guidance or future decisions may be necessary.
Rev. Shardow also addressed a long-standing question regarding access to results for those who sit entrance examinations for ministerial training. He acknowledged that the issue has been debated for years. “I cannot tell you now that there is an easy pledge to release results or not,” he said.
“But conversations have begun, and we are looking at the level of professionalism required.” He added that any decision must follow proper procedure: discussions at committee level, followed by consideration at the General Assembly Council if necessary.
The Director further noted that some groundwork has already been done in assessing the matter, and early indications suggest that additional efforts should be made to enhance transparency and improve the use of examination materials.
By Jerome Otchere
