Christian or Secular School: Examining the Stated Identity of Methodist University College Ghana (MUCG)

Abstract

It has been argued that, Christian Universities or Christian higher institutions are not the ones that merely recognize a historic connection to a church, denomination or Christianity. They are also not institutions that are members of religious associations of colleges and universities due to their historical connections but that do not identify their religious identity as influencing their mission or as being central to their institutional identity. This paper has sought to examine the Methodist University College Ghana (MUCG) to find out if its Christian identity is as stated or it is simply assumed. The paper employs the qualitative case study approach in analysing MUCG’s stated identity as expressed in its core values, vision and mission statements, from the perspective of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU). The findings do not indicate that MUCG’s identity as clearly and emphatically stated in its philosophy as Christian. It has therefore not been able to express it adequately in its core values, vision and mission statements. It is therefore recommended that if MUCG really intends to be classified as a Christian Institution, then there is the need for a complete review of its stated philosophy from which every institution’s identity, core values and mission are derived. This paper contributes to knowledge in the identity of Christian Educational institutions.