Incorporate traditional values into Christian worship – Rev Laryea

The Dean of Accredited Studies of Akrofi-Christaller Institute of Theology, Mission and Culture, the Reverend Professor Philip Laryea, has suggested the incorporation of some traditional cultural values into the Christian worship.

“It was imperative to revisit the past traditional values and incorporate some of the cultures that mark us as Ghanaians, to raise the consciousness among members, that all was not lost in terms of traditional cultures.

“As Ghanaians, we need to salvage as much as we can from our past cultures; whilst some Churches frown against some of our traditional cultures others have embraced and integrated it into Gospel songs with traditional rhythms,” Rev. Laryea stated.

Rev Laryea said this in Accra at a lecture to mark the celebration of Homowo, a Ga festival, and was organized by the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Osu District and the Osu Ebenezer Congregation Committee on Ecumenical and Social Relation.

The lecture was on the topic; “Jesus the True Bread of Life: The Significance of the Millet Planting Tradition for the Christian Faith”.

He said the lecture was part of the Church’s mandate in educating people on the need to appreciate their relationship as Christians with people of other faiths.

Rev Laryea said that the millet planting ritual of Churches takes place at about the same time of the Homowo celebrations in August and September, adding that, the annual ritual serves as a Thanksgiving Service during, which members of the congregation bring to Church the fruits of their labour to thank God.

He posited that, “it is about this same period that there is a general Thanksgiving by the indigenous people everywhere; people thank deities they serve for giving them protection and care during the course of the year”.

He explained that the millet symbolizes bread and the principle of life on which the Ga religion was grounded on, adding that, it’s based on this reason that when a traditional Priest was laid in State before his burial, a branch of millet was placed in his hands as part of the burial rituals.

“The ritual of sowing of millet, is a symbolic expression at the heart of which there is a strong desire by supplicants for life and all that encapsulates life in its wholeness, food, fish, water, good health, prosperity and protection among others,” he added.

He said the millet finds fulfilment in Jesus Christ, adding that, in Christ’s earthly Ministry, He healed the sick, providing for the needs of the poor and the socially disadvantaged, as well as teaching and educating people about life, defending the defenceless and seeking Justice for the oppressed.

Rev Laryea said the millet planting ritual signifies the importance of agriculture in sustaining our livelihood as human beings.

Mr Emmanuel Amatei Akuete, Chairman for the event said the Month of August was declared by the Church as a heritage Month to educate the people about their traditional values and the need to integrate the past cultures, to better the living standards of the people.

He charged Ghanaians to ensure that their wards can read, write and understand their local languages, in addition to English and other languages, to fully appreciate life and be competitive in all disciplines.

Source: GNA