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Syncretic Religion
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The rise of Apostolic or Pentecostal churches across the nation partly
demonstrates the impact of social change and the eclectic nature of
traditional cultures. These establishments, referred to by some as
separatist or spiritual churches or cults, combine traditional beliefs
in magic and divination with elements of Christianity. The major emphasis
of the cults is on curative and preventive remedies, chants, and charms
such as "holy water" designed to ward off the power of witches
and malevolent forces. Cults also offer social activities in addition
to their religious and medical roles. Some have rival drum societies
and singing groups that are highly popular among the young and women.
To their adherents, these cults seem to offer a sense of security
derived from belonging to a religious group that is new yet maintains
the characteristics of traditional forms of occult consultation. The
increasing popularity of these churches (Independent African and Pentecostal)
was reflected in figures for membership that rose from 1 & 2%
respectively in 1960, to 14 & 8% respectively, according to a
1985 estimate.
Although freedom of religion exists in Ghana, a Religious Bodies (Registration)
Law 2989 was passed in June 1989 to regulate churches. By requiring
certification of all Christian religious organizations operating in
Ghana, the government reserved the right to inspect the functioning
of these bodies and to order the auditing of their financial statements.
The Ghana Council of Churches interpreted the Religious Bodies Law
as contradicting the concept of religious freedom in the country.
According to a government statement, however, the law was designed
to protect the freedom and integrity of genuine religious organizations
by exposing and eliminating groups established to take advantage of
believers. The PNDC repealed the law in late 1992. Despite its provisions,
all orthodox Christian denominations and many spiritual churches continued
to operate in the country.
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