THE DISTINCTIVENESS OF THE CATHOLIC PRIESTHOOD IN A RELIGIO-PLURALISTIC GHANA

Description

In almost, if not all religions, there may be a distinct person chosen to lead worship. In a religiously pluralistic society like Ghana, there is the need to know and understand the specific roles of such people in their various religions in order to avoid confusion and know the appropriate terms to use for them. Ghana is a religiously pluralistic country and this has given rise to a multiform of religious leaders – men of God, prophets, seers, pastors, priests etc. This religious phenomenon creates confusion in the mind of many especially Catholics on the understanding, nature and distinctiveness of the Catholic priesthood amid the multiform of religious leadership. The author commences the discussion with the religious plurality of the Ghanaian society, with references to brief historical overview of the three main religions. Particular attention is given to the historical development, theology and vocations of the Catholic Priesthood. This book also delves into the formation of the candidates to the priesthood, the rites of ordination to the priesthood and the life and ministry of the Catholic priest. Moreover, was elucidated the foundation of ministerial priesthood through a biblical survey. The discussion is centered on the Old and New Testament perspectives of priesthood.