Archbishop of Canterbury Dame Sarah Mullaly made a landmark pilgrimage to the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, the heart of the Asante Kingdom, on a 10-day visit to the Church of the Province of West Africa. The historic visit aims at strengthening the centuries-old relationship between the Church and Asanteman.
A Bond Through Faith and History
The Archbishop of Canterbury, the 106th and first female leader in the 1,400-year history of the Church of England, is on a mission to foster ties between the Anglican Church and the Asante Kingdom. This bond dates back to Nana Agyeman Prempeh I, who converted to the faith during his exile in the Seychelles and returned baptized in 1904.
The visit highlights a significant chapter in the history of the Anglican Church in Ghana, with successive Asante royalty forming a strong bond with the Anglican Communion. This relationship has made the Anglican Church a central denomination for the Ashanti royal household. Dame Sarah Mullaly has emphasized the importance of respecting each other and recognizing that each of us are created in the image of God.
Strengthening Ties and Seeking Stability
The Archbishop of Canterbury called for greater collaboration to strengthen the ties between the church and the kingdom. She noted, "We are working in partnership with the Asante people, and it is so important for the Anglican Church – respecting each other and recognizing that each of us are created in the image of God." This message resonates with the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who called for prayers, honesty, and faithfulness to help restore stability to what he describes as a world in a "confused state."
The Asantehene expressed hope that Dame Sarah Mullaly's leadership would bring stability to the Communion, saying, "The old world is in a confused state now. It is only prayer and also being honest and faithful to each other that can help. We pray that in your tenure; the Anglican Church will grow. You taking up this office gives us the assurance that you will steer the ship to make it more stable and calm the waters." A Eucharistic service was held at the palace for the King to offer him prayers for an exemplary kingship.
A Symbol of Unity and Cooperation
The Archbishop's visit to the Manhyia Palace is a symbol of unity and cooperation between the Anglican Church and the Asante Kingdom. The visit has also highlighted the significance of the Anglican Church in Ghana, with the Ghana Diocese of the Anglican Church reaffirming its support for Dame Sarah Mullaly. The Asantehene welcomed her with a banquet, a gesture of appreciation for her visit and her commitment to strengthening the ties between the church and the kingdom.
The visit of Archbishop of Canterbury Dame Sarah Mullaly to the Manhyia Palace marks a significant chapter in the history of the Anglican Church in Ghana. As the Archbishop continues her 10-day visit to the Church of the Province of West Africa, the people of Ghana look forward to seeing the impact of her visit on the relationship between the church and the kingdom.
Source: Joy Online
