You’re stewards of the church’s heritage

The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, RT. Rev. Dr Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye has reminded the church’s lawyers that their work is a sacred responsibility tied directly to the preservation of the church’s heritage.

Speaking at the 6th Annual Consultation on Court Cases and Legal Issues held at the Presbyterian Women’s Centre, Abokobi on Wednesday, 2nd September 2026, the Moderator said lawyers must see themselves not merely as legal counsel handling individual cases, but as custodians of assets that will serve generations yet unborn.

“In a very important sense, you are stewards of part of the church’s heritage,” he told the lawyers. He explained that the impact of legal work often extends far beyond the present. “A child who will attend a Presbyterian school thirty years from now may benefit from property whose title you are defending today,” he said.

He added that future congregations may worship on land secured through the diligence of today’s legal advisors, even though “they may never know the lawyer who prevented that land from being lost in 2026.” The Moderator warned that failure to protect the church’s rights could have long‑term consequences, noting that both the present and future generations would suffer if legal guidance is neglected. The mission of the church itself could be impaired.

“We therefore cannot afford to treat the protection of church property casually,” he cautioned. He also outlined the constitutional responsibilities of the registered trustees of the church; the Moderator, Clerk of the General Assembly, Presbytery Chairpersons and the Property Manager, who hold all church property in trust. He emphasised that this arrangement reflects the church’s understanding that “what belongs to the church is held in trust. We are temporary custodians.”

Reports from the consultation, he explained, feed into the church’s governance structures. Recommendations requiring policy action are forwarded to the General Assembly Council, while litigation updates are presented to the Registered Trustees for appropriate decisions.

The Moderator urged the lawyers to continue serving with diligence, professionalism and faithfulness, reminding them that their work is part of the ongoing effort to build on the foundations laid by earlier generations.

By Jerome Otchere