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| Director's Diary |
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December 2010
Introduction
By the grace of God I assumed duty as Director of the Presbyterian Interfaith Research and Resource Centre (PIRRC) on 1st September, 2010. I thank God for choosing me to serve as Director, and to continue the good work of Rev. Dr. John Azumah (first Director) and lately, Rev. Dr. Solomon Sule Saa (Acting Director). I do acknowledge the efforts of my predecessors and staff of the centre who have competently steered the affairs of PIRRC, with the support of the Board, through smooth and rough roads towards establishing the centre as a reputable one with the potential of serving the West Africa Region as a Centre of Excellence, Research, Scholarship, Training and as an Institution for Interfaith Encounters for Peace, Development and Mission.
My gratitude goes to the Board for recommending me for appointment and to the staff (who have already started working with me). My prayer is that the purpose contained in the vision and mission of this Centre will be achieved to the glory of God.
Activities carried out in 2010:
Permit me to highlight some activities which have been carried out already in 2010 (from January to August) and those which are yet to be accomplished before the end of the year.
Seminars held (2010)
• All Presbyteries of the P.C.G.
• Northern Presbytery Leaders at the Tamale Lay Training Centre
• West Akyem Presbytery leaders at Akyem Oda
• National Interfaith Relations Seminar at Abokobi
• EMS International Youth Network – Ghana Working Group at Akropong
Institutions (NUPS-G P-SICE Orientations & Interfaith Education)
• University of Ghana: National Union of Presbyterian Students –Ghana (NUPS-G
• Koforidua Polytechnic
• Trinity Theological Seminary
• University for Development Studies (Nyankpala Campus)
• University of Education, Winneba
• University of Cape Coast (NUPS-G National Council)
Leadership Training Seminar
• Y. P. G. National & Presbytery Leaders at Abetifi-Kwahu
• Women’s Fellowship Leaders seminar at Abokobi
• Men’s Fellowship Delegates Conference at Ho
Prayer & Training Days
• January to August 2010 – already held
Church Visitations
• Rev. Monninger Memorial Congregation, Akosombo- already held
• Adabraka Official Town PCG – already held
Some Pending Activities:
1. Presbytery seminars on interfaith Relations
2. Interfaith Education and Orientation for Institutions: KNUST, Sunyani Polytechnic,Presbyterian University, Pentecost University, Central University, Methodist University, and other private institutions
3. Prayer and Training Days: Last Saturday of every Month
4. Church Visits: Prince of Peace Congregation, Tema Community 2
5. Visits to National Chief Imam and Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission
6. Meetings with Ghana Pentecostal Council, Association of Charismatic Churches, Ghana Catholic Secretariat, etc.
7. Documentary with PCG Channel of Hope TV Programme
8. Interfaith Youth Seminar on Peace and Conflict Transformation
STRATEGIC PLAN AND 2011 ACTIVITIES
The Board of PIRRC is grateful to Prof. Sraku Lartey and his team for presenting a draft copy of the Strategic Plan. We ought to identify and categorise SHORT, MEDIUM AND LONG TERM GOALS and prepare work plans that fit into each term. Having said this, my general plan of work for 2011 will cover the following areas:
1. Training: Presbytery/ Congregational and Institutional Training will continue to feature prominently in 2011
2. Research: More research activities would be undertaken in 2011. The dissemination of the results would position the Centre to be able to attract research students and resources from churches for capacity building programmes. Such ventures may earn the Centre, in the future, accreditation for graduate and post-graduate research/studies.
3. Conferences: Funds would be sought to organise the first International Conference on Women in Religion: Their role as Agents of Peace and Development from March 14-17, 2011 at the Abokobi Women’s Centre. Some partner churches have agreed to participate in this conference which will draw participants from Ghana, Cameroon, Nigeria, South Africa, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Zimbabwe, Canada and Europe.
In the same Year, the first WEST AFRICA CONFERENCE ON INTERFAITH RELATIONS AND DIALOGUE 2011 will be held in Accra.
4. Interfaith Peace Building: The PIRRC Peace building initiative was launched during a Trainer of Trainers Peace Building and Conflict Transformation workshop organised for Youth representatives from the Churches (Catholic, Presbyterian NOP and other Youths from other PCG congregations including two students from the Trinity Theological Seminary) and Other Faiths such as the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission, Muslim Youth from the other sects of Islam and Youth from the La Traditional Council. The date was 30th November to 1st December, 2010. This training programme which was part of activities marking the 2nd Anniversary celebration of the founding of the PIRRC would be continued in 2011. In this connection, a PCG Youth Peace project Team leader (Mr Emmanuel Tettey) has been requested through the National Service Secretariat to be posted to the Centre to serve as National service personnel to assist in the peace building training seminars. He is now at post.
5. Institutional collaboration (International): Attempts are being made through our partners and the World Council of Churches programmes for Inter-religious relations to seek Institutional collaboration. One of the Centres identified is the INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR INTERFAITH RELATIONS based in London and the UNITED REFORMED CHURCH’s outfit for Interfaith Relations (also based in London). We are yet to receive positive responses. The Interfaith Relations Unit of Mission 21 has held a meeting with the Director to cooperate in future joint programmes. The Unit has also agreed to sponsor a woman participant from Asia to the 2011 Women’s Conference on Peace and Development. Below are some other partnerships being developed.
a. COLLABORATION WITH HENRY MARTYN INSTITUTE, INDIA
During the visit of PIRRC Director to Germany and Switzerland in November 2010, and through the facilitation of the Ecumenical Centre in Frankfurt, a partnership relationship is being established between PIRRC and the Henry Martyn Institute in India, (an International Centre for Research, Interfaith Relations and Reconciliation).
The Henry Martyn Institute (HMI) a non-profit organization established in 1930; is a research and study centre working to promote reconciliation between people of different faiths and cultures. HMI achieves its goals through academic and praxis work with a focus on reducing prejudice and increasing trust and cooperation between individuals, communities and organizations. It encourages the study of religions and practical grassroot involvement with the objective of transforming conflicts and building peace to improve relationships between divided communities and groups. HMI runs courses at postgraduate level on Interfaith issues and Conflict Transformation for students from India and across the World. It also carries out a wide range of social and interreligious programmes.
b. COLLABORATION WITH WORLD PEACE ACADEMY, SWITZERLAND
The Mission 21 in Basel has facilitated a working relationship between the PIRRC and the World Peace Academy of the University of Basel, Switzerland.
The "World Peace Academy - Swiss Centre for Peace Studies" is an educational institution aiming with its programs and projects to promote a global Culture of Peace.
The educational concept combines interdisciplinary peace research with the teaching of constructive conflict transformation, the practical experience of multicultural coexistence and the development of personal competencies for peace work. People of different geographical, intellectual and ideological backgrounds get together and engage in dialog in a development-oriented atmosphere. This allows for new dimensions of thinking and awareness to germinate and grow. The Peace Academy sees its mission in the development of innovative programs in peace education and the education of experts and multipliers for a culture of peace.
The Director of PIRRC was a guest at a lecture organised by the Academy on ‘Religions as Source of Reconciliation’. The possibility of sending candidates for a Masters Course on Peace and Conflict transformation at the World Peace Academy was discussed.
c. IRAS COTIS, SWITZERLAND
The PIRRC is also pursuing a partnership relationship with IRAS COTIS of Switzerland. IRAS COTIS was founded in 1992, setting itself the task of representing the community interest of religious communities at the federal level. IRAS COTIS is committed to objectivity and determination to pursue the following goals:
• Promote tolerance and mutual respect between communities;
• Encourage meetings between members of different religious communities and thereby reduce the fears and possible reserves;
• Adviser for religious communities as political and religious authorities hear and take seriously their needs
6. Local Collaboration: We hope to establish good working relations with Trinity Theological Seminary, Akrofi Chrystaller Institute and other Institutions in Ghana which share similar vision with PIRRC. Not to be left out is the Christian Council of Ghana Interfaith Relations Unit. Joint Seminars could be undertaken on topics of common concerns and interest. After an MOU has been signed with some of these Institutions, students from the Institutions would be permitted to use our facilities for research and participate in Academic seminars organised by PIRRC and be awarded credit for their academic study.
7. Social Services
In collaboration with Mission 21 and EMS Women and Gender Desks and the Talita Kumi (Mercy Odoyoye) Centre, we hope to organise a national seminar on: “CHRISTIAN WOMEN IN THE FIGHT AGAINST DISEASE AND POVERTY”. The Women’s desk of the Africa Continental Assembly of Mission 21 would also send participants. Funds will be sought for this programme.
8. Publications: Booklets and tracts will be published to build the capacity of church members on other faiths and to provide guidelines for effective witness to people of other faiths.
9. Permanent Site for PIRRC: Drawings will be prepared for the permanent site for PIRRC. A search for a suitable location is ongoing. The Board is being asked to assist in this development.
10. Facelift of PIRRC: Since assuming duty, we have been blessed with an additional permanent staff who will be responsible for the library and research.
The Centre has now installed a 24 hour fully functioning Internet system with wireless for use by office staff and all visitors to the library.
The lighting system in the Centre has been overhauled to make the place brighter for reading and office work.
Almost all offices now have air-conditioning, and the Photocopier which was broken down has been repaired.
We invite all to visit the PIRRC and make good use of its facilities.
11. CONCLUSION:
I am grateful to the PCG for the confidence reposed in me. I count on your full support, cooperation and encouragement. I trust that the Lord who established this Centre would provide all resources to enable us, through the Empowerment of the Holy Spirit, to fulfil the set objectives of the Centre to the glory of God.
Thank you
Rev. Dr. Samuel Ayete-Nyampong
Director.
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