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In a groundbreaking development at intersection of faith and LGBTQ+ local communities have taken strides towards fostering acceptance. Some Western congregations in Europe America and even Southern Africa have initiated an open dialogue on embracing diverse sexual orientation and gender identities. This can shed light on a pivotal moment where faith communities in Ghana grapple with traditional, cultural and biblical teachings in embracing the phenomena towards a more inclusive path.
Reverend Canon Dr Patrick Okaijah – Bortier, an Anglican Parish Priest, from St Andrews Anglican Church in Ghana indicates that “LGBTQ+ just came recently but gayism or homosexuality has been with us for more than thousand years. History has even stated that, the Greek accepted and approved it but the Romans tolerated it”. He made this comment on AdoaTV’s breakfast show AM Ghana whiles they where having a discussion on the topic “Faith and LGBTQ+”.
He went further to define the biblical identification of gender and emphasize on the traditional roles of gender in an African context stating that “individuals cannot alter their gender against what is perceived as nature’s plan”. He further contends that “God intentionally created men and women, maintaining a traditional understanding of gender identities”.
Homosexuality was first criminalised in Ghana under the British colonial rule, then again after independence. According to section 22 of the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Act, 2021, when passed, Gay sex is punishable law up to 3 years and 5 years maximum imprisonment. “I am against homosexuality marriage as an institution in African for creationism to fight mortality. When the Church of England voted for the acceptance of LGBTQ+. There are majority who do not believe in it” he said.
The Member of Parliament for Effutu Constituency, Central Region in Ghana, Hon Alexander Afenyo – Markin proposes to a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 3 years for promotion of LGBTQ+. He lamented on the state of the country’s prisons and argued that they would not provide the rehabilitation needed for offenders of the act. He made these contributions in parliament during the considerable of the Anti-LGBTQI+ Bill.
Faith-based in organizations in Ghana maintain a firm stand on the subject backed by principles from the Holy Bible, Holy Quran and as an institution of morality. They say no to the practice and blessing of same-sex marriage but call for support, help guidance and counselling for persons identified with LGBTQ+. As Reverend Dr. Canon Bortier said, “The church should condemn the act of homosexuality and not the person for Christ loves the sinner, not the sin”.
Interfaith dialogue and efforts to find common ground are encouraged, with some religious leaders and other organizations advocating for greater acceptance and deeper understanding. It’s essential to recognize the diversity of beliefs and foster respectful conversations that promote empathy and inclusivity.
Conversely, resistance persists where conservative interpretations of religious texts perpetuate discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals. The tension between conservative doctrines and evolving societal attitudes has led to internal strife within major faith communities, prompting introspection and calls for reform.
BY : PASCALINE SACKER
