Reducing the impact of cultural pressures that cause divorce in Asante New Town sector (ANTS) of the Seventh-day Adventist church in Ghana

Abstract

Problem

There is growing concern of a high incidence of culturally influenced divorce cases among Seventh-day Adventists in Ghana, especially in Asante New Town Sector (ANTS). The South Central Ghana Conference records showed a minimum of 47 divorce cases every six months and at least 17 out of this come from ANTS, Kumasi, Ghana. It was therefore the purpose of this work to develop and implement a biblically based strategy to solve this problem.

Method Having gathered an initial baseline data, relevant literature was consulted, and a focus group discussion and interview guide was developed for a survey. A total of 168 participants were engaged in interview and discussions in ANTS. Findings from these groups helped to design an intervention to deal with the problem identified. Revivals, sermons, prayer, counseling, forums, love feast and marriage festivals were embarked upon to assist in the reduction of the divorce problem. Results Post project data received showed a reduced conference-wide divorce figure of 114 per year and 39 in six months. That of ANTS moved from 42 a year to 11 in half a year. By this projection, the conference and ANTS figures per year will now be 78 and 22 respectively. Six counseling centers were established; and a document to guide the church on traditional issues on marriage and divorce was developed.

Conclusion There is a new trend of culturally influenced divorce cases in SCGC, especially in ANTS. Some members now use legal and cultural considerations as grounds for divorce. However, scripture makes it clear that only adultery and the abandonment of the unbelieving spouse can stand as a basis for divorce. The church must hold firm to this position in spite of the pressures culture may present.