Rev Dr. Justice O. Akrofi:

Dear Siblings in God's household,
It is a humble privilege to be invited to contribute a word to this publication. My piece bears the title, WITH FAITH AND TRUST, NO LONGER STRANGERS.
The Diocese of Accra's catch-phrase is Vital, Vibrant and Viable Diocese, for short the three "Vs." By some happenstance the record of the Branches of the Vine (BOV) and the Diocese's three "Vs" fit like a glove. So, we are fellow-travelers.
The fellowship began out of a social encounter, breaking bread. We were to start with strangers one to another. Today, it has issued in a bonding, the instrument for expressing family, dynamic faith and trust, renewing and transforming the conditions of the less privileged. Non-liturgical encounters and social services can be indices of Communion marked by the three "Vs." That reaches the heart of the Gospel - in these acts we are human.
Essential to this development have been Truth and Trust. Like Abraham in Ur, we started out not knowing where we were going. We neither knew each other. But see how in faith and trust we have come to a communion with three "Vs."
Government reports often cite huge expenditures on societal reconstruction and development. By contrast, the Branches of the Vine have spent considerably less. But the list of achievements are extensive and tremendous and in a comparatively less time. The lesson for Africa, Church and nation is that more than funds are needed for development and success. There is need for clear vision, sharp focus, determination, commitment, dedication, selflessness and human heart to achieve much.
Finally, the story BOV in Ghana has been a veritable modeling of the biblical ecumenical imperative, which the Ecumenical Movement has captured as "Doctrine Divides, Service Unites." How often do we experience volunteers - Methodist, Anglican/Episcopalian, Roman Catholic, Baptist, and Presbyterian, non-Denominational, and Jewish - working in concert to express the human face of God? Laus Deo
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. This experience of faith and trust in action have a testimony to the Gospel which challenges us to be human, across the board.

The Most Rev's Dr. Justice O. Akrofi
Archbishop & Primate, The Anglican Church of The Province of West Africa and Bishop of Accra

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