Genuinely Ghanaian: A History of the Methodist Church Ghana, 1961-2000

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EAN/UPC/ISBN Code 9781592217489


Genuinely Ghanaian is the fascinating history of the Methodist Church Ghana, from the time of its autonomy, 1961, to the year 2000. This book shows how missiological issues of contextualization and outreach have shaped the history of the Methodist Church Ghana since the independence of Ghana from colonial rule. Ghanaians have accepted Methodism on their own terms and have reworked it to fit their needs. The Methodist Church Ghana has its roots in a Bible study group of Ghanaians, formed in 1831. Aided by British Methodist missionaries, the group developed over the next 130 years, until, in 1961, it gained autonomy from the British Methodist Conference. Central elements in the contextualization of this church include Ghanaian identity, Akan culture, and Methodist missionary theology. This book examines the evolution and consolidation of Methodism in Ghana from 1961 to 2000, highlighting in particular the contributions of the Fante people. This book brings to the fore the dynamic contribution of The Methodist Church Ghana in respect of the development of the nation and people of Ghana. This volume represents a significant milestone in the study of the history of Ghana Methodism and fills a void in the scholarly literature in the area of Methodism in Ghana. The work represents a magnificent contribution to the history of The Methodist Movement in Africa. --The Most Rev. Prof. Emmanuel K. Asante, Presiding Bishop, The Methodist Church Ghana It was a pleasure to know that at long last the task of updating The Roots of Ghana Methodism is in good hands. More important, it is in the hands of an Old Boy of Mfantsipim and the son of the Manse. --F. L. Bartels, Former Headmaster of Mfantsipim and Author of The Roots of Ghana Methodism. Though African Christians make up a high proportion of the Church as a whole, comprehensive studies of African churches are far too few in number. Dr. Essamuah"s learned and readable account of a significant and in many ways representative contemporary African church is thus immensely welcome. May it be widely read and much emulated. --Andrew F. Walls, University of Edinburgh and Liverpool Hope University