Proliferation of Churches Not “a sign of the end times” but a Wound to Christ's Body: Catholic Bishop in Ghana

The Center for the Study of Global Christianity reports that by mid-2023, there were 47,300 Christian denominations and rites worldwide, a number projected to rise to 64,000 by 2050.

In his article published September 24, Bishop Osei-Bonsu says that the Church sees the mission to all nations as a positive sign that Christ continues his work until the end of time.

“The writings of the apostles suggest that the last days will be marked by difficulty, confusion, and falling away from the faith,” the Ghanaian Bishop says, referring to St. Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians and Second letter to Timothy.

Bishop Osei-Bonsu emphasizes that the rise of many churches and teachings can denote division and the weakening of truth and can also point to humanity’s deep desire for God and highlights how widely the Christian message has spread across the world.

“The Catholic Church sees the division among Christians not as prophecy fulfilled but as a wound to Christ’s Body,” he says, and adds, “Division goes against Jesus’ prayer at the Last Supper, where he asked that all believers be united so the world would believe in him (Jn 17:21).”

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The Bishop emphasizes that, for the Church, unity is essential rather than optional, citing Vatican II’s Lumen Gentium, which teaches that the one true Church of God exists fully within the Catholic Church (LG 8)—a unity established by Christ and entrusted to the apostles and their successors.

“The Catholic Church teaches that it has the full means of salvation, but it also recognizes that other Christian communities possess real elements of truth and holiness,” he says and adds, “Vatican II explains that many gifts of faith and grace exist even outside the Catholic Church (LG 8).”

He further says that while the rise of many churches is seen as a division, it is not without value. “The Holy Spirit still works through these communities, guiding them towards eventual unity with the Catholic Church,” the Bishop says.

In his article, the Ghanaian Catholic Bishop says that the Catholic view of ecumenism (the effort to bring Christians together) is both practical and hopeful.

He explains that ecumenism is practical, acknowledging that division stems from human weakness, sin, and history, yet it remains hopeful because true unity is not merely a human achievement but a gift of the Holy Spirit.

“The Church asks all believers to pray, change their hearts, and engage in honest and loving dialogue. Ecumenism is not just about cooperation; it is rooted in Christ’s mission and his prayer for unity,” Bishop Osei-Bonsu says.

Rather than being worried about the end times, the Ghanaian Catholic Church leader says, Christians should live with vigilance and readiness because what matters most is not how many denominations exist, but how faithful people are to Christ.

“Believers are called to stay strong in prayer, receive the sacraments, and follow the teaching authority of the Church,” he says, and adds, “Divisions among Christians should not cause fear but should inspire greater commitment to living as witnesses of truth and love.”

The Bishop emphasizes that Catholic teaching assures us that confusion and division will not last forever, as the final victory belongs to Christ, who will return in glory to judge the living and the dead.

Bishop Osei-Bonsu says that at that time of judgment, sin, error, and division will be no more, and God’s people will be gathered into perfect unity in his eternal kingdom.

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He says that the rise of many churches should not be seen as a sign to predict the end times, but as a call to greater faithfulness. The Bishop says that it also shows both the weakness of human efforts and the deep longing for God in every heart.

For Catholics, Bishop Osei-Bonsu, says, the rise of many churches “is a reminder of Christ's call to unity, the importance of working towards Christian harmony, and the need to always be ready for his return.”

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.