The Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) Church in Ghana has reaffirmed its position that members should not vote on Saturday, which is the day for this year’s December 7 elections.
According to the church, voting on Saturday is contrary to their belief since the day is dedicated to worship, rest and communion with God.
“The Sabbath, observed from sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday, holds deep spiritual significance for Adventists. 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.” The church said in a statement signed by Pr. Dr. Thomas Techie Ocran, President of the Southern Ghana Union Conference, Accra and Pr. Dr. Kwame Annor Boahen, President of the Northern Ghana Union Conference, Kumasi.
Meanwhile, the Member of Parliament for Abetifi and Minister of Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong has called on the Electoral Commission to consider adding the Adventists to the Special Voting list.
Below is the full statement
Sabbath Observance and Civic Responsibility: A Statement from the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Ghana
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.
We wish to reiterate what the church stands for and advocates:
1. SABBATH AS A SACRED DAY
“The Sabbath, observed from sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday, holds deep spiritual significance for Adventists. 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.”
2. EFFORTS MADE TOWARD ELECTION DATE CHANGE
The Leadership of the Seventh-day Adventist Church has consistently advocated for an election date to change to accommodate members’ religious observance. The Church’s efforts were based on our beliefs that moving the election day away from the Saturday world allows all citizens, regardless of faith, to participate fully in the democratic process.
3. NO POLITICAL ENDORSEMENT
As a church, while we encourage civic engagement, our congregational meeting—-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.
In summary, 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.
Source: Elvisanokyenews.com
