Archbishop Charles Agyinasare, founder of Perez Chapel International, delivered a powerful message to his congregation, refuting claims of anti-Muslim sentiment and highlighting the profound impact Muslims have had on his life and ministry. He recounted a history of positive interactions and support from the Muslim community, emphasizing the importance of interfaith understanding and respect. His message served as a testament to the power of love and collaboration, transcending religious differences and promoting a spirit of unity.
Agyinasare began by addressing the inaccurate portrayal of him as harboring prejudice against Muslims. He underscored the irony of these accusations by sharing personal anecdotes that depicted a contrasting reality. From his early days in Tamale, where he was graciously hosted by a Muslim family for a year and a half without paying rent, to the financial support he received from a Muslim couple during the founding of his church, Agyinasare painted a picture of consistent goodwill and assistance from the Muslim community. These acts of kindness, he explained, formed the bedrock of his deep respect and appreciation for Muslims.
He further elaborated on his strong ties with prominent Muslim figures, including the late Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama, who was also his neighbor, and the current Vice President Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia. These relationships, he stated, exemplified the ability to transcend religious divides and build genuine connections based on mutual respect. This spirit of camaraderie extended beyond personal relationships into his ministry, where he received unprecedented access to preach and conduct healing campaigns in predominantly Muslim regions like Maiduguri and Kano in Nigeria. He also highlighted his ministry work in other countries with significant Muslim populations, including Pakistan, Egypt, Bangladesh, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates, emphasizing the open doors and acceptance he encountered.
Agyinasare underscored his belief in the transformative power of education and revealed his personal commitment to sponsoring Muslim students in their pursuit of higher education, both at Perez University College and other institutions. This proactive approach, he explained, was a tangible manifestation of his love and respect for the Muslim community, going beyond mere words and demonstrating practical support for their advancement. He contrasted this reality with the false narrative of him being anti-Islam, emphasizing the disconnect between the accusations and his lived experiences.
The core message of Agyinasare’s address centered on the universality of God’s love and the importance of extending that love to everyone, regardless of their faith. He emphasized that all individuals are created in God’s image and deserving of respect, advocating for a world where love transcends religious boundaries. He reiterated that the gospel of Jesus Christ is a message of love that embraces all people, and his mission has always been to extend that love unconditionally. He highlighted the irony of his success in predominantly Muslim areas, where he found unexpected opportunities to preach and minister, contrasting this with the narrative of him harboring anti-Muslim sentiments.
In closing, Archbishop Agyinasare reinforced the importance of striving for peace and harmony with everyone, referencing Romans 12:18. He reiterated his commitment to interfaith understanding and cooperation, highlighting the positive and transformative experiences he has had with the Muslim community throughout his life and ministry. His message served as a call for unity, urging his congregation and the wider community to embrace love and respect as the foundational principles for building bridges across religious divides. His personal narrative challenged preconceived notions and offered a powerful example of how genuine connection and mutual respect can flourish even amidst differing belief systems, fostering a spirit of understanding and collaboration.
