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Olympic chiefs issue warning to camera operators over ‘sexist’ filming of female athletes

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Yiannis Exarchos, the head of Olympic Broadcasting Services

Olympic chiefs have warned camera operators about the potential ‘sexist’ filming of female athletes at Paris 2024 after admitting ‘unconscious biases’ still exists.

Yiannis Exarchos, the head of Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS), stressed that significant work has been done to tackle biases in the way television coverage shows men and women’s sports.

OBS produces the live television, radio and digital coverage of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, which their output provided to rights holders worldwide.

Exarchos admitted the majority of camera operators are men, with the organisation updating guidelines on how they should cover sports.

He added that a training session was held last year for female camera operators to help increase equality in this area in the future.

The OBS chief acknowledged there were still issues with how Olympic stories were portrayed, highlighting that this was an area where ‘a lot of unconscious bias still exists’. ‘Unfortunately, in some events they [women] are still being filmed in a way that you can identify that stereotypes and sexism remains, even from the way in which some camera operators are framing differently men and women athletes.

‘Women athletes are not there because they are more attractive or sexy or whatever.

‘They are there because they are elite athletes, they are there for their sporting performance, they should be showcased in the same way.

‘The same way with commentators, using a men as a reference to qualify how a female athlete is doing, it is absolutely the wrong way.’

Credit: dailymail.co.uk

Olympics commentator axed over sexist remark

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The comments were made while the Australian team was celebrating

A veteran sports commentator has been sacked from his Olympics role after making a sexist remark about Australian female swimmers following their gold medal win.

As the 4x100m freestyle relay team were making their way off the pool deck in Paris, Bob Ballard said they were “finishing up”, adding “you know what women are like… hanging around, doing their make-up”.

The clip quickly went viral and broadcaster Eurosport later said he had been removed from the commentary line-up.

Ballard apologised if the remarks had offended viewers and said it was not his “intention to upset or belittle anyone”, in a statement posted to X.

Mollie O’Callaghan, Emma McKeon, Meg Harris and Shayna Jack had just beaten the US and China, to make it the fourth Olympics in a row where Australia has claimed the gold medal in the event.

They were waving to crowds and celebrating the achievement when Ballard made his comments.

His co-commentator and British swimming champion Lizzie Simmonds had immediately branded his remark “outrageous”, prompting laughter from Ballard.

In his statement on X, Ballard urged users not to “pile in on” Simmons. Some had been quick to attack the ex-Olympic swimmer online.

On Sunday, Eurosport said Ballard – previously a long-time BBC reporter and presenter – would not return to their airwaves.

Credit: bbc.com

Brazil sack swimmer after going on a night out with her boyfriend

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Brazilian swimmer Ana Carolina Vieira

An Olympic athlete has been banished from the Games after sneaking out of the Village to sample the Parisian nightlife.

Brazilian swimmer Ana Carolina Vieira hit the town without authorisation with her boyfriend, fellow swimmer Gabriel Santos, after her country crashed out of the 4X100m freestyle relay.

The 22-year-old snuck out of the Village to meet up with Santos on July 26 without permission. According to Brazilian media, when pulled up on the indiscretion by the Brazilian Olympic Committee she abused them and was then swiftly sent on a flight back home.

The sport’s governing body in Brazil described her reaction as ‘disrespectful and aggressively challenge(ing)’.

Her partner Santos, who was eliminated in the heats of the men’s 4×100 freestyle, was also disciplined, though he reportedly apologised for the rule break.

‘The Brazilian Confederation of Aquatic Sports (CBDA), the COB decided to punish the two athletes for having left the Olympic Village without authorization last Friday.’ The statement from the body began.

‘In addition to this fact, the athlete Ana Carolina, in a disrespectful and aggressive manner, contested the technical decision taken by the Brazilian Swimming Team committee.

‘Thus, athlete Gabriel Santos was punished with a warning and athlete Ana Carolina Vieira was punished with removal from the delegation. She will return to Brazil immediately.’

Brazil’s swim team leader Gustavo Otsuka told Reuters: ‘We’re not here playing or taking a vacation.’

Credit: dailymail.co.uk

Djokovic beats Nadal to keep Olympic dream going

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Djokovic beats Nadal

Novak Djokovic outclassed his long-time rival Rafael Nadal to win their Olympic second-round match and continue his bid to land an elusive gold medal.

Serbia’s Djokovic, 37, looked on a different level to Nadal for most of a one-sided contest which he won 6-1 6-4 on the Roland Garros clay.

Djokovic led 4-0 in the second set to quell the partisan support for the Spaniard, before 38-year-old Nadal fought back to wipe out the double break.

But Djokovic, like we have seen him do so many times, stepped on the gas again to break for 5-4 and serve out victory.

“I’m very relieved,” said Djokovic. “Everything was going my way, I was 6-1, 4-0 up but I played a sloppy service game and gave him chances.”

Nadal, known as the King of Clay, has won 14 French Open titles at the Olympic venue but the aura he carries there was not enough to trouble a man of Djokovic’s quality.

The pair, who have won 46 Grand Slam singles titles between them, shared an embrace at the net before Djokovic sportingly clapped Nadal off the court.

It was the 60th meeting of their enduring rivalry – no two men have ever played each other more.

After first meeting in 2006, Djokovic now leads 31-29 in their head to head.

“I never thought back in 2006 that we’d still be playing each other almost 20 years later,” Djokovic said.

Credit: bbc.com

We Are Behind You, Our Son: Talensi & Builsa Chiefs tell Bawumia

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Overlord of Talensi YTraditional Area, Tongo-Rana Naab Kugbil Namaltang blessings Dr. Bawumia at his palace

The Overlord of the Talensi Traditional Area, Tongo-Rana Naab Kugbli Namaltang, and the Paramount Chief of the Builsa Traditional Area, Sandem-Nab Azagsuk Azantilow II, have assured the flag bearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, of their support and that of their people.

The Overlord of the Talensi Traditional Area, Tongo-Rana Naab Kugbil, gave the assurance on Sunday, July 28, 2024 when the NPP flag bearer and his entourage paid a courtesy call on him at his palace.

According to him, Dr. Baumia is one of them, therefore, the entire Talensi will rally behind him and the NPP, going into the December 7, 2024 general elections.

Expressing his delight at the Vice President visiting his palace, which he said was “a blessing,” the Tongo-Rana concluded by saying, “As a son, we are behind you.”

In his brief remarks, the chief said, We have asked all our divisional chiefs and queen mothers to come here and listen to the message that you have, which is not anything new to anybody.”

He continued that, “I believe they all know what you have done and we all know. Our cry is that we need more from you and we are sure that when you come to power, you will deliver on all your promises that you have given us.”

Dr. Bawumia and his campaign team commenced the day’s tour by visiting two churches to worship with them, before visiting some chiefs.

He is in the Upper East region as part of his constituency-focused nationwide campaign, where he visited Talensi, Nabdam, and Bolgatanga East constituencies.

Dr. Bawumia at the Palace of the Overlord of the Builsa Traditional Area, Sandem-Nab Azagsuk Azantilow II

MEET AS PRESIDENT

On Friday, July 26, 2024 Dr. Bawumia visited the Builsa North constituency, where he paid a courtesy call on the Paramount Chief of the Builsa Traditional Area, Sandem-Nab Azagsuk Azantilow II.

Addressing the flag bearer and his team, Sandem-Nab Azagsuk Azantilow II said he was looking forward to meeting Dr. Bawumia as President of Ghana in 2025.

“Your Excellency, permit me to avail myself of this occasion to convey to your good self my felicitations on your nomination as leader and presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party.

“Following your resounding victory at the primaries of the party last year, your historic nomination is an affirmation of your sterling qualities as a politician and leader and a human being,” Nab Azantilow declared.

He continued that, “as you take your campaign across the country, I wish you well. I also pray for Allah’s blessings for you personally, your family, and members of your campaign team. I look forward to meeting you in 2025 as President of the Republic, Insha Allah,” he added.

Dr. Bawumia, who had earlier visited the Yagaba Kubori and Builsa South Constituencies as part of his constituency-focused nationwide campaign, was in Sandema to formally introduce himself as presidential candidate and also introduce the party’s parliamentary candidate for Builsa North, Thomas Alonsi, to the Builsa Overlord.

SISSALA CHIEFS WONDER

The chiefs and people of the three traditional areas in the Sissala West District of the Upper West District showered praise on Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for promptly fulfilling a promise to provide a pick-up vehicle to the only Senior High School in the district.

The NPP flagbearer pledged to provide the vehicle to the Hilla Limann Senior High School, in response to a request by the late Paramount Chief of Gwollu, Kuri-Biktie Limann IV, made just before he passed away.

Dr. Bawumia made the pledge when he led a government delegation to the late Gwollu overlord’s funeral at Gwollu.

Less than a month after the pledge, Dr. Bawumia, on Thursday, July 25, 2024 handed over the keys to a brand new Nissan Navarra 4×4 pickup to the authorities of the school at the Gwollu Palace, Gwollu.

Reading a speech on behalf of his fellow Paramount Chiefs of Zini, Gwollu and Pulima, Kuoru Osman Deiwia Nankpa III, Paramount Chief of Pulima, expressed surprise at the speed with which Dr. Bawumia had fulfilled his pledge.

“Your recent pledge to grant the request of our late father and colleague, late Kuoru Kuri Buktie Limann, to get a bus and a pickup for the Dr. Hilla Limann Senior High School is a testament to your government’s and personal commitment to groom quality human resources for the benefit of our country.

“So let me be fulsome on behalf of the Chiefs and people of our land in showing our profound gratitude for such meaningful interventions. I have gathered from very reliable sources that what you told us at this same grounds barely a fortnight ago about making the pick-up available is most likely to come to fruition today.

“I ask on behalf of our people, ‘What kind of politician is this?’. You promised, and you delivered. We are deeply touched and express the same here with elation,” Kuoru Deiwia Nankpa stated.

Akufo-Addo’s proposal for interoperability in Africa accepted by AU

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Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo

A proposal by the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for the African Union to roll out mobile money interoperability on the continent has been adopted.

President Akufo-Addo espoused his vision for a continent-wide financial institution and the acceleration of mobile money interoperability across the continent, at the recently held AU Mid-Year Coordinating meeting hosted by Ghana in Accra.

The endorsement of the proposal by President Akufo-Addo signaled a major step towards enhancing financial inclusion and economic integration across Africa.

President Akufo-Addo, addressed the meeting in his capacity as the AU Champion for Financial Institutions.

He presented two comprehensive reports outlining his vision, which focused on the establishment of an AU Financial Institution and the scaling up of mobile money interoperability.

FINANCIAL EXCLUSION

According to the President, the vision aims to address financial exclusion among Africa’s most vulnerable populations.

The proposed AU Financial Institution is designed to facilitate cross-border transactions and investments, which are expected to significantly boost intra-African trade and contribute to the continent’s economic growth.

The Financial Institution is anticipated to be operational within the next five years serving as a unified platform for financial activities across the continent, providing a much-needed boost to Africa’s economic infrastructure.

In addition to the financial institution, the AU’s commitment to scaling up mobile money interoperability stands to revolutionise how Africans conduct business.

Currently, Africa accounts for over 70% of global mobile money transactions.

The move towards interoperability is expected to unlock immense economic opportunities and create jobs, particularly for the youth.

ACHIEVEMENT

To achieve full interoperability by 2027, the AU has called on member states to adopt the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) and to develop a unified regulatory framework for mobile money operations.

The system is designed to facilitate seamless financial transactions across borders, promoting greater economic integration and efficiency.

The next critical phase for these initiatives is their operationalisation by AU member states. When all 54 Presidents convene in February next year, the proposals will be tabled for further discussion and implementation planning.

The success of these initiatives hinges on the collective commitment of all member states. The AU’s endorsement marks the beginning of a collaborative effort to transform Africa’s financial ecosystem, with the goal of fostering a more integrated and prosperous continent.

With the operationalisation of this initiative, the continent is poised to enter a new chapter of growth and development, driven by enhanced financial inclusion and seamless cross-border transactions.

We won’t sleep for 48hrs during election –Mahama

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Former President John Mahama addressing the crowd

The flag bearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2024 elections, John Dramani Mahama, has urged party supporters to be prepared to protect the ballot boxes on election day, till the final results are declared by the Electoral Commission (EC).

He has also urged supporters of the NDC to monitor every aspect of the electoral process to prevent any potential rigging in favour of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Speaking at the NDC’s campaign launch in Tamale on Saturday, July 27, Mahama emphasised the importance of safeguarding the electoral process to ensure a fair outcome.

“We’re not going to sleep for 48 hours until all the ballots have been counted. None of us is going to sleep for 48 hours until all the ballots have been counted,” he admonished.

He assured Ghanaians that the NDC is committed to securing their votes and has taken measures to uphold the will of the people.

He also reassured NDC supporters and Ghanaians intending to vote for the party, saying “I can promise you that we will protect every single vote. We have had our issues with the Electoral Commission, but we’re prepared to give them the benefit of the doubt.”

Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang

The running mate to the presidential candidate of the NDC, Prof Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang, highlighted the widespread impact of the financial haircut, particularly on Pensioners, as well as on the quality of education and healthcare in Ghana.

Addressing the gathering at the campaign launch, she emphasised the severe crisis the country is facing, which is affecting the economy, education, healthcare, infrastructure and overall quality of life.

“Women are particularly impacted, as they often bear the brunt of financial and social hardships,” she noted.

Prof Opoku Agyemang underscored that former President John Dramani Mahama, with his experience in government, is committed to addressing these issues through new policies.

She argued that comparisons with the current administration are unfair, as Mahama has a proven track record of prioritising truth and competence.

Prof Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang said Ghanaians need to support John Dramani Mahama’s efforts to stabilise and improve the country, ensuring it does not revert to its current troubled state.

Additionally, she stated that women, who suffer disproportionately, will benefit from Mahama’s thoughtful and targeted solutions.

Asiedu Nketia

The National Chairman of the NDC, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, urged the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Chief of Defense Staff to maintain their integrity and resist any undue pressure from President Akufo-Addo.

Mr. Asiedu Nketia emphasised the critical need for the security forces to remain independent and neutral, especially as the 2024 general elections approach.

He advised the IGP to stand firm and act rightly in the lead-up to the elections, despite any external influences.

“My message to the IGP and the Chief of Defense Staff is simple: when you were commissioned into leadership of our security services, you swore an oath to protect the interests of Ghanaians. You didn’t swear to protect the interests of any regime in power at the time,” he stated.

Asiedu Nketia acknowledged the undue pressure the security leaders might be experiencing but encouraged them to withstand it and make the right decisions for the next four months.

“We know you’re working under undue pressure, but please, absorb that pressure and do the right thing. If you fail, on the day of accountability, the president who is pressuring you now will not come to your defense. You will be left on your own and your God,” he urged.

He concluded by calling for positive defiance, stressing that following wrongful instructions under the excuse of “order from above” is unacceptable.

“You swore an oath to protect this country,” he reminded them.

I will win Bole-Bamboi seat for NPP -Raphael Kumah Vows

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Dr Bawumia introducing Raphael Kumah, the NPP parliamentary candidate for Bole-Bamboi

The Bole-Bamboi Constituency in the Savannah Region has been invigorated ahead of the December elections, following a recent visit by the Vice President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, during his campaign tour.

The tour, which captivated the area a week ago, has energised the party’s supporters and made it more appealing to voters of all ages.

Dr. Bawumia’s issue-based campaign, emphasising on his vision of building a modern Ghana rooted in education, technology and skills acquisition, has resonated well with the grassroots. The party’s parliamentary candidate, Raphael Abolasom Kumah, plans to leverage this enthusiasm to make history by winning the seat for the NPP for the first time.

Mr. Kumah has pledged to mobilise the grassroots energy and potential of the entire party, communicate the flagbearer’s effective policy alternatives and mount a massive campaign to secure victory in the December elections.

As an expert in policy, planning and management, Mr Kumah promises to provide unifying and visionary leadership for the people of Bole-Bamboi, avoiding partisan discrimination.

Identifying himself as a grassroots person, Mr. Kumah plans to conduct a house-to-house campaign to highlight the solid record and achievements of the Akufo-Addo-led government and to promote the positive policies of Dr. Bawumia throughout the constituency.

“I will offer unifying and visionary leadership that will prioritise the well-being of my constituents.

“I will lead the effort to promote our party’s policies and programmes, as well as those of Dr. Bawumia, as the clear alternative to help us break the ‘8’,” Mr. Kumah said during Dr. Bawumia’s visit.

The former University for Development Studies (UDS) Students’ Representative Council (SRC) member, who is aiming for his first term in Parliament, has committed to sustain his contributions to the area and improving on the lives of all residents.

He criticised the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) for their longstanding dominance in the Bole-Bamboi Constituency and the poor performance of the current MP, Alhaji Yusif Sulemana, asserting that change is necessary.

“We stand for change, we stand for new energy and we want to change the narrative of Bole-Bamboi when I’m given the mandate,” Mr. Kumah declared.

What makes Mr. Kumah’s candidature unique and timely in the NPP’s goal of breaking the ‘8’ is that he is the first parliamentary candidate to come from the Bamboi area.

Historically, all candidates from both the NPP and NDC came from the Bole enclave, leaving the Bamboi side of the constituency underrepresented.

The NPP’s decision to select a candidate from Bamboi, the southern zone, is expected to change the narrative.

In 2004, when media reports suggested that then MP, John Mahama, had lost his seat, Mr. Mahama dismissed the reports, stating that until results from his ‘world bank’ (the Bamboi zone) were in, he could not concede defeat.

This indicates the significant support Mr. Kumah can expect from the southern zone, along with the existing NPP support coming from Northern Bole.

During the Vice President’s visit, the Bolewura, Sarfo Kutugefeso II, appealed for the elevation of the Bole-Bamboi district to a Municipality status and the tarring of the Bole-Wa road, among other requests.

The Islamic community also asked for the renovation of the Bole Central Mosque, which Dr. Bawumia agreed to.

At the time of reporting, engineers had already begun assessing the work needed for the mosque renovation.

Journalists Must Embrace Constructive Criticism

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Media

The Chairman of the National Media Commission (NMC), Yaw Boadu Ayeboafoh, has advised journalists to accept criticisms in good faith when they get it wrong sometimes, according to a report on graphic online. He said that the failure to accept blame was one of the fundamental weaknesses of the media system in the country, “where journalists profess that you have the right to criticise everybody but no one criticises you.”

He said the best form of regulating the media all over the world was self regulation, where journalists “understand that it is out of experience that we learn to do things better”.

The Chronicle agrees with the NMC chairman because Journalism, by its very nature, wields significant influence over public opinion and societal norms. This power comes with a profound responsibility to uphold truth, accuracy and fairness. Across the globe, media regulation often faces a delicate balance between maintaining journalistic freedom and ensuring accountability. Journalists must hold themselves and their peers accountable.

As Mr Ayeboafoh rightly points out, a pervasive issue within the media is the reluctance to accept criticism. Journalists often position themselves as the watchdogs of society, holding public figures accountable. Yet, when the spotlight turns towards our own shortcomings, there is a tendency to deflect or dismiss criticism.

This double standard undermines the credibility of the media. Accepting criticism in good faith is not a sign of weakness but a testament to a journalist’s commitment to better his or her craft. When journalists acknowledge their mistakes, they reinforce the trust placed in them by the public. This trust is the bedrock upon which the media’s influence is built.

Journalists, like any other professionals, are not infallible. Recognising this fact is crucial for personal and professional growth. Humility allows journalists to approach their work with an open mind, ready to learn and improve. It also encourages empathy, enabling journalists to connect with the subjects of their stories on a deeper level.

Humility does not diminish the authority or credibility of a journalist. Instead, it enhances it by demonstrating a commitment to truth and integrity. A humble journalist is more likely to seek out diverse sources, verify facts diligently and present balanced viewpoints. This approach ultimately leads to more robust and trustworthy journalism.

Journalists, media organisations, regulatory bodies and the public all have roles to play. Journalists must embrace criticism constructively, commit to self-regulation and prioritise continuous learning. Media organisations should support these efforts by fostering a culture of transparency and accountability.

Professional bodies and associations can play a pivotal role in this regard, providing guidance, setting standards, and addressing violations. By embracing self-regulation, journalists not only safeguard their independence but also enhance their professionalism. Regulatory bodies like the NMC can provide guidance and oversight without stifling journalistic freedom.

Journalists must be open to new perspectives and willing to learn from their experiences. This approach fosters innovation and adaptability, enabling journalists to tackle complex issues with a nuanced understanding. Moreover, by engaging with a diverse range of voices, journalists can provide more comprehensive and balanced coverage, enriching public discourse.

Finally, the public must engage with the media critically and holding it accountable while recognising the vital role it plays in society.

Hon. Daniel Dugan: “The Holy Catholic Church” and the Presbyterian Church, Ghana

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Apostles Creed

The Apostles Creed, a summary of the Word of God, is an act of faith, declared by the twelve apostles, after the ascension of Christ, and before AD 44, the year St. James, an apostle, was martyred. (Acts 12:2). Tradition has it that each of the twelve, proposed one act of faith, to form the twelve articles of faith in the Creed. Creed comes from the Latin, credo, which means I believe and trust. The prayer goes like this:

“1. I believe in God the Father (Isa. 44:5-6), Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth (Gen. 1:1; John 1:3; Acts 14:15):

  1. And in Jesus Christ (Luke 2:11; John 20:28), His only Begotten Son (John 3:16), our Lord (John 20:28):
  2. Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:35), born of the Virgin Mary (Luke 1:27):
  3. Suffered under Pontius Pilate (Luke 23:24); was crucified (John 19:20; Acts 4:10), died (1 Cor. 15:3) and was buried (1 Cor. 15:4): He descended into hell (Acts 2:24):
  4. The third day He rose again from the dead (1 Cor. 15:4):
  5. He ascended into Heaven (Luke 24:51; Acts 1:11), and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty (Mark 16:19; Heb 1:3; 10:12):
  6. From thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead (John 5:22; 2 Tim. 4:1):
  7. I believe in the Holy Spirit (John 15:26; 16:7-8, 13):
  8. The Holy Catholic Church (Gal. 3:28; 1 Tim. 3:15): the Communion of Saints (Acts 2:44; Heb. 10:25):
  9. The Forgiveness of Sins (Luke 7:48):
  10. The Resurrection of the Body (1 Cor. 15:52-54; 1 Thess. 4:16):
  11. And the Life everlasting (John 10:28; 17:2). Amen (Eph. 3:21; Rev. 7:12).”

In the first part of the ninth article of the Apostles Creed’s, we pray, ‘I believe in the Holy Catholic Church.’ This is supported by Galatians 3:28 and 1 Timothy 3:15, with both about the universality of the Church. This part, has been posing lots of problems for some non-Catholic Christians who think it glorifies the twenty-four particular churches that form the Holy Catholic Church, with the Pope as the head.

Why the apostles describe the Church as Catholic. During the early days, apart from the group of believers the apostles led, there were other groups who even though they claimed to profess Christ, they proclaimed things alien to the teachings of and about Christ, preaching heresies, which denied the Divinity of Christ, among others.

It might be for this reason, that the apostles described the Church of Believers as Catholic, which affirmed their obedience to the command Christ gave them when He commissioned them, mandating them to go to all nations and make disciples (Matthew 28:19a). This means the Church was and is Catholic, a word from the ancient Greek adjective, katholikos, meaning universal, about the whole, in general.

The believers in the early Church, were initially not called Christians. They were called disciples of Jesus or saints (those consecrated to God). It was in the late AD 30’s, in Antioch, when they were first called Christians (Acts 11:26).

How did the Christian Church officially become Catholic? With the groups who claim to profess Christ but rather go about spreading false teachings, it became necessary to distinguish the true followers from the fake ones.

So, in AD 110, Bishop St. Ignatius of Antioch, (Antioch again), in his epistle to the Smyrnaeans, wrote that, where the pope is, the Catholic Church is. Could it be that all along early Christians who held true to the faith, considered their Church to be Catholic as the apostles indicated in the Apostles Creed?

The Christian Church became, One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.  One, for the unity of Christians in their belief in One God, One Body of Christ, One Baptism and One Faith (Ephesians 4: 1-6); Holy, in that the Church is set apart for a special purpose by and of God. This does not mean Christians do not sin; Catholic, referring to the universality of the Church and Apostolic, to indicate that the beliefs and origins of Christianity find roots in the teachings of the apostles of Christ.

Christians were Catholic, holding the same beliefs, even after the Great Schism in 1054, when the West and East broke apart. Then in 1517, Martin Luther led the breakaway from Catholic beliefs, which snowballed into the formation of separate Christian churches, resulting in over 45,000 different denominations, today, with most of whom, feeling that by saying the words, “the Holy Catholic Church” in the Apostles Creed, they are acknowledging and blessing the Catholic Church.

Sadly, even though Jesus Christ prayed for the unity of all believers, (John 17:11b), many, including the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, whose motto is, ‘That All May Be One,’ which recalls John 17:11b, seem very determined to have Christians remain divided.

On June 18, 2024, the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, directed all its members to replace, “the Holy Catholic Church,” in the Apostles Creed, with ‘Holy Universal Church,’ in order not to create ambiguity among members on the use of the word, Catholic.

Instead of teaching its faithful the truth about the Christian Church when it comes to why the apostles described it as Catholic, it is very obvious that the Presbyterian Church, Ghana, wants nothing to do with Catholics and the word Catholic.

Hon. Daniel Dugan

The Ghanaian Chronicle