In their quest to educate the public especially the youth on homosexuality issues and the consequences of indulging in such practices, the Diocese of the Methodist Church of Ghana has launched a 47 page booklet titled, “The Homosexuality Debate” to that effect in Accra.
This is as a result of a discussion held among Christian professionals from different fields over Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) practices and beliefs.
The launch took place during the climax of the church’s youth week celebration under the theme: “Called to to Discipline the Youth” at the Resurrection Society branch of the Church in Kpehee, Accra.
Outdooring the booklet, Right Reverend Samuel K. Osabutey reiterated that, the booklet is not stand of the Methodist Church Ghana in response to same sex marriage acceptance by the church in the United Kingdom (UK) but to guide the young people thus treat issues such as the LGBT Position examined in the Ghanaian context, the Case of Alternative Sexual Orientation Advocates, Socio-Economic and Health Considerations of LGBT and the Legal Position on Sexual Offences -Homosexuality.
Revealing that, the church, a year ago saw the need to discuss LGBT, and produce a teaching material to guide young people to desist from the act.
The Minister of the Gospel therefore challenged the young people to make the right choices, take their religious life seriously and allow it to control their sexual life and as well stay pure, think pure, work pure and do pure.
Adding that, the Church is willing to help members who had been addicted to the LGBT lifestyle to come out of it.
But was quick to say, the church won’t allow them to negatively influence the other young members of the church.
“We should advocate more against LGBT, if not, the small minority will resist us,” he added.
Meanwhile, previewing the booklet at the launch, Very Reverend Professor Joshua Narteh Kudadjie, a retired Professor of Ethics indicated that, during the compilation, the team discovered that some LGBT people were content with their lifestyle thus not a sin because they believed that, they where created as such by God.
However called for the discouragement of Homosexuality, because it displeases God and do bring curses to communities and the country at large.
Revealing that, it is a taboo to enstool LGBT persons as Chiefs in some communities and not even acknowledged as ancestors when they die.
Therefore called on government not to relax its laws or allow itself to be influenced by external pressure to accept homosexuality.
“If there should be anyone to force this immoral practice on Ghana, or if laws should be passed by government to accept it, all religions would come together to resist it,” Prof. Kudjo emphasized.
“Anyone who is practising or in favour of homosexuality should stand upright and avail himself to God who is ready to transform him or her,” he added.
On her part, speaking as the Special Guest of Honour for the occasion, the Gender, Children and Social Protection, Mrs Cynthia Morrison advised the young people especially children not to allow anyone to touch their bodies or harass them.
And urged them to report anyone of same or the opposite sex who tries to have sexual relations with them to their parents or any adult for help.
Indicating that, children that are defiled do live with the consequences for the rest of their lives and sometimes face challenges in their marital lives due to that.
Bringing a speech to a close, Mrs Morrison urged churches in the country to break the culture of silence and discuss the act of sex with children and adolescents to enhance their knowledge as to be able todefend themselves whenever they are harassed.
Source: Ishmael Barfi
