The Catholic Bishops of Ghana have publicly declared their support for the draft bill presented to Parliament aimed at making homosexual practices illegal in the country.
In a paper addressed to the Committee on Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs, the Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference underscored their stance on the matter, citing both moral and religious grounds.
The Catholic Bishops, representing approximately 13.1 percent of Ghana's population according to the 2010 population census, emphasized the significance of their voice in the national discourse.
They contend that the abominable practice of homosexuality should be illegal in Ghana, presenting biblical references to justify their position.
Biblical Perspective on Homosexuality
The bishops drew attention to several passages from the Bible, asserting that the scriptures unequivocally condemn homosexual practices.
Quoting Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13 from the Old Testament, they highlighted the characterization of such acts as an “abomination,” with severe consequences.
Additionally, the bishops referenced the story of Sodom and Gomorrah from Genesis 19:1-28, interpreting it as condemning the desire for homosexual acts.
In the New Testament, particularly in Romans 1:26-27, the bishops noted the Apostle Paul's explicit condemnation of homosexual behaviour, arguing that it is against natural relations.
They further referenced passages in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 and 1 Timothy 1:10, where Paul mentions “sexual perverts” and “sodomites,” using the same Greek term, arsenokoitai, to refer to homosexuals.
Catholic Church's Teaching on Homosexuality
The paper presented the Catholic Church's teachings on homosexuality, making a clear distinction between the “homosexual condition or tendency” and “individual homosexual actions.”
While the Church does not condemn individuals for their sexual orientation, it strongly denounces homosexual acts as “intrinsically disordered” and “in no case to be approved of.”
The bishops argued that homosexual activity is incompatible with the biblical creation stories, emphasizing the twofold purpose of sexual activity presented in Genesis – the unity of man and woman and procreation.
Despite condemning homosexual acts, the Catholic Church stressed the importance of respecting the rights of homosexuals as individuals.
The bishops underscored the need to avoid harassment or discrimination against homosexuals, echoing Pope Francis' call for compassion and sensitivity.
Conclusion and Call to Action
In conclusion, Most Rev. Philip Naameh, Metropolitan Archbishop of Tamale and President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference, signed the paper.
The bishops expressed their commitment to upholding the long-held teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, calling for a balance between respecting individuals' dignity and adhering to moral principles.
The declaration by the Catholic Bishops of Ghana comes amid ongoing debates and discussions surrounding LGBTQ+ rights and the criminalization of homosexuality in the country.
The paper serves as a formal statement of the Church's position on the matter, seeking to influence legislative decisions in the country.
