THE ISSUE OF DIVORCE AMONG CHRISTIANS IN KUMASI AND THE CHURCH’S RESPONSE: A STUDY AMONG OF SELECTED CHURCHES IN THE KUMASI METROPOLIS

Abstract

Against the background that the rate of divorce continues to soar high even in our Churches, a qualitative approach was used to examine the issue among Christians in the Kumasi Metropolis and the church’s response to it. In all, fourteen people including five divorcees, both male and female, five married men and women, and four counselors, all from the Grace Baptist Church, Amakom were interviewed. Findings revealed that the rate of divorce is on the ascendency and it is prevalent among the young couples. Also, immaturity on the part of partner, infidelity, maltreatment or physical abuse, monetary issues, ex-boy-girl friend reunion, incompatibility, family interference, misunderstanding of marriage, “Borger” marriages, and the issue of sex are the major factors contributing to the alarming rate of divorce. It was also revealed that stigmatization, children dropping out of school, prostitution, armed robbery, madness, premature death, street children and juvenile delinquency, child abuse and financial difficulties are some of the effects of divorce on both partners and children. It was realized that the church allocated three to six month for premarital counseling, there was no availability of post - marital counseling, teachings on marriage are heard from the pulpit only during wedding ceremonies or annual family life week celebration,and there is no programme for divorcees. Meanwhile, deacons or deaconesses who are committed to the vision and goals of the church are accessed and taken through training to become marriage counselors. It was realized that the Church has been hit by the issue of divorce and some marriages have ended up in divorce whiles others are also facing serious marital challenges. It is being encouraged that marriage counselors should be well equipped to better deal with marriage issues. Also, Churches must devote time to teach on xi marriage and educate people on issues related to sex.The church should also institute postmarital counseling to help identify and solve a potential issue that could lead to divorce.