The Methodist Church Ghana could return to holding its main decision-making Conference every year if delegates approve a motion currently before the church’s 52nd Conference in Tema.
The proposal seeks to replace the current biennial arrangement, arguing that the growth of the church and its expanding administrative responsibilities require more frequent opportunities for oversight, accountability and decision-making.
Proposed by former Lay President Professor Ato Essuman and seconded by Brother Orleans Oduro, the motion was read to delegates by the Administrative Bishop, the Rt Rev Dr William A. Mpere-Gyekye.
The motion questions whether the circumstances that led to the introduction of the biennial Conference system still justify maintaining it in its current form.
The church moved from annual to biennial Conferences partly to manage rising costs and increasing numbers of delegates, while giving dioceses more time to implement decisions taken at Conference.
The proposal argues that the Methodist Church Ghana has since expanded, with an increase in the number of dioceses and greater administrative responsibilities.
It says an annual Conference would provide more regular opportunities to monitor the implementation of decisions, strengthen accountability and improve the church’s decision-making processes.
The motion also points to leadership succession as an area that could benefit from more frequent Conferences.
However, it calls for an implementation framework to guide any return to annual Conferences, including arrangements covering the financial, administrative, constitutional and logistical implications.
The motion is now before delegates for consideration, with the 52nd Conference expected to decide whether the Methodist Church Ghana should return to an annual Conference system.
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