LEADERSHIP of the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church has urged its members to, in observance of Saturday as the Sabbath, not participate in this year’s elections slated for December 7, which falls on a Saturday, as it is not in alignment with their religious beliefs.
In a statement signed by Pr. Dr. Thomas Techie Ocran, President, Southern Ghana Union Conference; and Pr. Dr. Kwame Annor Boahen, President, Northern Ghana Union Conference, Kumasi, the church leadership stressed that, “The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Ghana recognises the civic responsibility of its members to participate in the democratic process, including exercising their right to vote.
“However, we wish to reiterate our longstanding conviction that voting on Saturday, the Sabbath of the Lord, is not in alignment with our religious beliefs,” the statement said.
“The Sabbath, which is observed from sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday,” the leadership explained, “holds deep spiritual significance for Adventists as it is a day dedicated to worship, rest, and communion with God.
“Our long-standing conviction and teaching have been that members should not engage in non-religious activities, including voting. Voting on the Sabbath is, therefore, contrary to our understanding of its sanctity.”
Leadership of the church also disclosed in the statement that it has “consistently advocated for an election date change to accommodate members’ religious observance, explaining that these efforts were based on their belief that moving the election day away from Saturday would allow all citizens, regardless of faith, to participate fully in the democratic process.
However, these calls have not yielded the desired results for the church. The church, therefore, urged its members to ensure that whatever decision they take reflects the Adventist belief on the sanctity of Saturday as a Sabbath Day.
“The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Ghana respects the right of its members to vote. However, on the matter of voting on Saturday, we urge members to prayerfully ensure that their decisions are consistent with the Adventist belief on the sanctity of the Sabbath.
“While we respect the diversity of opinions within our membership, this statement, issued by the Southern Ghana Union Conference and Northern Ghana Union Conference is the Church in Ghana’s official position on Sabbath observance and voting on Saturday, December 7, 2024,” the church stated.
The church also charged members nationwide to not use congregational meetings as platforms for political debates, endorsements and/or campaigns, urging that their focus should be on worship, spiritual growth and fellowship.
“As a Church, while we encourage civic engagement, our congregational meetings, whether on Saturday or any other day, should not serve as platforms for political debate, endorsement of political parties, or candidates or political party campaigns. Our focus during Sabbath gatherings should be worship, spiritual growth, and fellowship,” it added.
BY Nii Adjei Mensahfio