Christian leaders in Ghana resist Western imposition of sexual rights agenda

Sep 1, 2023 by Dave Doveton

From Catholic Herald.

Faith leaders support African nation’s right to preserve cultural and religious values in face of threats to international funding, reports Ngala Killian Chimtom for Crux

YAOUNDÈ, Cameroon – Religious leaders in Ghana, including the Catholic bishops, have issued a strongly-worded statement saying the West African nation will not compromise its values to satisfy foreign investors promoting LGBTQI+ rights.

In an August 24 joint statement, members of the three Christian Ecumenical Councils in Ghana, the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC), the Christian Council of Ghana (CCG), and the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference (GCBC), called on Western countries to “stop the incessant attempts to impose unacceptable foreign cultural values on us”.

They said Ghana is a very tolerant and welcoming nation, but “our tolerance is not unlimited”.

“Just as the U.S. and other so-called developed countries have their cultural values which inform what is acceptable and/or unacceptable within their respective jurisdictions, Ghana, as a sovereign nation, also has cultural and religious values that guide, inform and guarantee the sustenance, harmony and cohesiveness of our communities, and we do not intend to compromise those values for LGBTQI+ investors.”

“We find it very unacceptable that as a sovereign country, such intimidating insinuations are being made by high ranking and respected officials,” the church leaders say, adding that “Christian, Muslim, traditional and other minor religious groups constitute over 95 per cent of Ghana’s population.”

“As a people, our cultural values and practices must be respected; we do not want the promotion, advertising, practice and/or imposition of LGBTQI+ behaviour and practice in Ghana,” the Church leaders add.

“All these religious groups mentioned stand together in abhorring the despicable lifestyle practices and behaviours of LGBTQI+,” the statement said.

The strong reaction came after the US Ambassador to Ghana warned against passage of what is seen as a draconian anti-LGBTQ+ bill, which, she said, would be inconsistent with the “welcoming, tolerant society” of Ghana.

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