Faith in action: Pope Francis and John Wesley’s shared legacy
By Fiifi Afenyi-Donkor(Rev)
In a world plagued by inequality and injustice, two influential religious leaders have dedicated their lives to serving the least among us.
Pope Francis, the leader of the Catholic Church, and John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, have both dedicated their lives to spreading Jesus’ message of love and compassion.
This article pays homage to the lives and ministries of Pope Francis and John Wesley, and their implications for leadership, and church and society in Ghana.
To achieve this, I would highlight on their Early lives and Ministries, Mission in the light of Jesus’ Teachings (Personal Lives and Service), Common Thread and A Call to Action.
Early Lives and Ministries
Pope Francis: Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he became a Jesuit priest and later Archbishop of Buenos Aires before being elected Pope in 2013.
John Wesley: Born in England in 1703, he was a key figure in the 18th-century evangelical revival and founded the Methodist Movement.
Mission In the Light of Jesus’ Teachings
At the heart of both Pope Francis and John Wesley’s ministries is a deep commitment to serving the poor, the marginalized, and the vulnerable.
This commitment is rooted in Jesus’ teachings, particularly in Matthew 25:31-46, where Jesus emphasizes the importance of caring for the least among us. Both leaders have taken these teachings to heart, by applying them to their personal lives and ministries.
- Personal Lives
Pope Francis: Pope Francis lived a life of simplicity and austerity, reflected in his modest personal assets of only $100. He declined his annual papal salary of approximately 340,000 euros, faithful to his Jesuit vow of poverty.
He chose a humble residence, wore plain attire, and limited his possessions, embodying humility and solidarity with the poor.
By renouncing material wealth and privilege, Pope Francis left a legacy of moral clarity and devotion to his faith. His papacy was defined by radical humility, resonating with Catholics and global observers alike. His commitment to simplicity and service will be remembered as a hallmark of his leadership.
John Wesley: John Wesley lived out his philosophy of “gain all you can, save all you can, and give all you can.” He limited his expenses to give more to the poor, and as his income increased, so did his charitable giving.
Despite earning significant amounts, he kept his expenses low, rarely having more than £100 in his possession. This so baffled the English Tax Commissioners that they investigated him in 1776 insisting that for a man of his income he must have silver dishes that he was not paying excise tax on.
He wrote to them, “I have two silver spoons at London and two at Bristol. This is all the plate I have at present, and I shall not buy any more while so many around me want bread.”
When he died in 1791 at the age of 87, the only money mentioned in his will was the coins to be found in his pockets and dresser.
Most of the 30,000 pounds he had earned in his life had been given away. His self-control and generosity inspired others, and his legacy continues to be felt. He prioritized giving over accumulating wealth, demonstrating his devotion to Christ and his kingdom.
- Service
Pope Francis: A Voice for the Environment and the Poor
Pope Francis has been a vocal advocate for social justice, environmental stewardship, and care for the poor. His encyclical, Laudato Si’, calls for global action to address climate change and protect the planet. He has also spoken out on issues like migrant rights and economic inequality, emphasizing the need for compassion and justice in all aspects of life.
John Wesley: A Champion of Social Justice
John Wesley, who lived in the 18th century, was a pioneer in social justice. He advocated for the abolition of slavery, worked with the poor, and emphasized the importance of personal holiness and social responsibility. His teachings on loving God and neighbour continue to inspire millions around the world.
A Common Thread
It is observed that despite the differences in their contexts and theological perspectives, Pope Francis and John Wesley share a common thread: their dedication to serving others in the light of Jesus’ teachings. Both leaders remind us that faith is not just about personal beliefs but also about how we treat others.
A Call to Action
As the world continues to face complex challenges, the examples of Pope Francis and John Wesley offer valuable lessons in compassion, service, and justice. Their lives inspire us to live out Jesus’ teachings in practical ways, and has implications for leadership, and the church and society.
Lessons for Ghanaian Leadership including Political, Traditional and Church Leaders
Servant leadership: Pope Francis and John Wesley prioritized serving others, demonstrating that true leadership is about putting the needs of others before one’s own. In Ghana, this approach can help leaders build trust and foster a sense of community.
Compassion and empathy: Ghanaian leaders can learn from Pope Francis and John Wesley’s examples by showing deep concern for the vulnerable and marginalized. By prioritizing the needs of the poor and vulnerable, leaders can work to address poverty and inequality.
Social responsibility: This highlights the need for leaders to prioritize the well-being of all Ghanaians and the environment. In the face of challenges like the galamsey menace, leaders can promote sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
Lessons for the Church and Society in Ghana, especially in the Face of the Galamsey Menace
The lives and ministries of Pope Francis and John Wesley offer valuable lessons for the Church and society, particularly in Ghana, where the galamsey menace has brought unprecedented environmental degradation and social dislocation.
Their emphasis on compassion, service, and social justice provides a framework for addressing this crisis. The Church in Ghana can apply these teachings to address the galamsey menace by promoting environmental sustainability, protecting vulnerable populations, and engaging communities in sustainable practices.
Promoting Environmental Sustainability: Pope Francis’s encyclical Laudato Si’ highlights the interconnectedness of environmental and social issues, while John Wesley’s teachings on stewardship and social justice underscore the need for responsible care for creation and advocacy for the vulnerable.
The church can liaise with the government in promoting environmental sustainability measures such as responsible mining practices, water conservation, sustainable livelihood alternatives, and enforcement of environmental regulations to promote sustainable development and mitigate environmental impacts.
Protecting Vulnerable Populations: The galamsey menace disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including women and children. Pope Francis and John Wesley’s emphasis on compassion and service to the poor and vulnerable highlights the need for the Church to prioritize their needs. By doing so, the Church can demonstrate its commitment to caring for creation and promoting the well-being of all Ghanaians.
Engaging Communities in Sustainable Practices: Through education and awareness, community mobilization, and advocacy, the Church can empower communities to act against environmental degradation and promote sustainable livelihoods.
By raising awareness about the impacts of the galamsey menace and promoting alternative livelihoods, the Church can contribute to a more sustainable future for Ghana. The Church’s prophetic voice can also call for justice and stewardship of creation, inspiring communities to care for the environment.
Conclusion
As Ghana grapples with pressing issues like the galamsey menace, the enduring legacies of Pope Francis and John Wesley offer valuable lessons in compassion, service, and social justice. By embracing their examples, the church and leaders can work together to build a more just, equitable, and sustainable future for all Ghanaians.
The writer is with the Airport East Circuit, Methodist Church Ghana
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