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J U D G M E N T
DOTSE, JSC:
The fact, that, this case, concerning a reputable House of God and others also reputed to be very outstanding and charismatic men of God has come to the litigation altar of the civil Courts and made to travel all the way from the High Court, through the Court of Appeal, to this Court is indeed a sad reflection on Christendom.
In this respect therefore, we would want to reflect on the following two quotations as we journey through this exercise to resolve the final victor in the sight of men.
1. Mathew 16, 24 -25
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, if anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross, and follow me, for whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it”
2. “Let each one remember that he will make progress in all spiritual things only in so far as he rids himself of self love, self-will and self interest.
St. Ignatius Loyola
BRIEF FACTS OF THE CASE
The facts of this case admit of no controversy whatsoever. The genesis of this case is a letter written by the defendants/appellants/appellants, hereinafter referred to simply as the Defendants on the 16 day of November, 1992, in their capacity as the Board of the Calvary Charismatic Centre, (hereafter referred to as C.C.C.) and addressed to the plaintiffs/respondents/respondents hereinafter referred to as the plaintiffs, wherein the plaintiffs were informed that the defendants had decided to cease affiliation with the Assemblies of God denomination, i.e. the plaintiffs church with effect from 19th November, 1992.
In view of the profound effect which this letter generated and also its effect on the totality of the entire suit, we deem it fit and proper to reproduce it in extenso.
It must be noted that this letter was tendered in evidence by the plaintiffs as exhibit BB and is produced on page 967 of volume one of the record of appeal (ROA).It provides as follows:-
“Calvary Charismatic Centre
The Executive Presbytery
Assemblies of God Church
P. O. Box 7644
Accra-North
Dear Partners of the Inheritance
It is with great joy and expectation that we announce to you the tremendous things that the Lord is doing in our midst here in Calvary Charismatic Centre. It has not been rosy, but the good Lord has granted us the strength and wisdom to go through the many phases of ministry that we have already gone through.”Precept upon precept, line upon line, here a little, there a little we are