Accra, Ghana - A content analysis of some selected newspapers undertaken by the Centre for Media Analysis Limited, (CMA) has found that the public views charismatic and Pentecostal churches negatively, while the orthodox churches are viewed positively.
The research was to measure the image of Ghanaian churches to ascertain the relationship between the media's presentation of churches in Ghana and the possible public perception of churches.
According to the findings, a total of 1748 news presented charismatic and Pentecostal churches in a negative light while a total of 1335 news statements on orthodox churches projected them in a more positive light. A breakdown shows that 64 (5%) negative, 625 (47%) positive and 646 neutral news statements.
A press statement issued by the CMA and signed by its Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Messan Mawugbe, in Accra said that in the analysis, a total of 6778 issues on churches were found. Churches in general had 3695, Charismatic/Pentecostal churches 1748, and the Orthodox churches had 1335 issues.
It states that out of a total of 3696 churches issues, evangelism ranked first, fraudulent deals, which was rated 95% Negative gained the 4th position, while marriage and divorce as well as prophetic revelations also recording negative ratings of over 70% and 65% respectively.
"Surprisingly, moral values, one the church's basic principle dropped low to the ninth position."
The CMA advised churches especially the Charismatic/Pentecostal churches to improve upon their attitudes in other to redeem their public image.
"CMA believes that continuous negative media presentation of Ghanaian churches could lead to social-disengagement and all effort should be made to put churches image in the positive light."
The findings focused on 15 Ghanaian state and private newspapers including Public Agenda, Daily Graphic, Ghanaian Chronicle, Daily Guide, and the Crusading Guide etc.