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July 24, 2013

Seeing God at work in Northern Ghana

From Wednesday to Sunday I have been in the northern half of Ghana,  in the newly formed Upper Presbytery (offices in Bolgatonga) and the Northern Presbytery (offices in Tamale). 

 

The two areas are closely related in many ways, but also have many differences.  The area around Tamale is the historic center of Islam in Ghana.  The native population is close to 99% Muslim, although a significant number of folks from southern Ghana have come north for government and university jobs lessening that number.  The Northern Presbytery is the largest in land size and smallest in number of the 13 …

• Posted at 1:53 p.m.
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July 22, 2013

If You're Happy and You Know It

The words and gestures of the liturgy ought to work this way. A simple phrase, such as "The Lord be with you," is intended to evoke an immediate, almost instinctive response: not only the verbal rejoinder "And also with you," but a sense of community, a shared way of faith and life, and an entry into prayerful participation. A simple gesture, such as the lifting of open, outstretched hands in prayer, ought to direct our hearts to the worship of God, alert our minds to the presence of Christ, and connect our souls in the communion of the Spirit.

• Posted at 1:22 p.m.
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July 18, 2013

Interfaith Engagement in Ghana

One of the more interesting aspects of the church in Ghana is the immediacy of interfaith relations.  Ghana is predominately Christian, but has a significant Muslim population, and a significant number continue to practice traditional religions.  The Muslim population used to be limited to the northern region of the country (centered in Tamale), but because of migration to Accra and Kumasi in the south, there are Muslims throughout Ghana now. 

 

• Posted at 10:00 a.m.
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July 16, 2013

The Gospel of Equality and Justice for All

Christianity is big on equality and justice.  Jesus advocated that all people are equal in the eyes of God and deserving of divine justice, a radical idea that got him killed.  

• Posted at 5:24 p.m.
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July 16, 2013

Learning in Ghana

I'm in Ghana for two weeks to present a paper at a consultation next week sponsored by Akrofi-Christaller Institute of Theology, Mission and Culture and Columbia Seminary.

This week I'm traveling around Ghana with Josh Heikkila, the PCUSA regional liaison for West Africa.  Later in the week, Jeff Ritchie of the Outreach Foundation will join us for a trip to the far north, flying to Tamale and then driving to Bolgatanga.

 

I had three really interesting conversations yesterday you might find interesting.  The first was with Mercy Amba Oduyoye, the pioneer of African women's theology. …

• Posted at 4:26 a.m.
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