African Methodists, especially those with historical links to British Methodism, are very disturbed with recent developments on a decision to start discussion on same sex marriages by the British Conference. This unpalatable news ignited many reactions within the African Methodist fraternity. A recent social media publication further compounded the matter by linking it with The Methodist Church Ghana. The responses from Christians have ranged from shock to consternation and anger, indicating a yearning response from the Church hierarchy. The Methodist Church Ghana through the chief servant, The Presiding Bishop have acted and stated the position of the Church.
A press conference was held on Friday 19th July 2019 at the Conference Office of The Methodist Church Ghana, Wesley House to clarify and dilute the confusion that had left many people in a state of quagmire. Over 200 leaders of the Church comprising of senior Ministers, Past and Present Presiding Bishops, Past and Present Lay Chairmen, Synod Secretaries, Staff and friends, Members of the Methodist faith, the Christian community gathered to witness the Press briefing that sort to give answers to the many questions we could not decipher.
One fact remained clear throughout the address of the Presiding Bishop, that, The Methodist Church Ghana is autonomous, having its own leadership and structures. The Presiding Bishop, Most Rev. Dr. Paul Kwabena Boafo stated categorically clear that “The People called Methodist and by extension all other members of the Body of Christ, remains unashamedly, a Church that believes in the authority of the Bible”. He again emphasized that, The Methodist Church Ghana stands by the Wesleyan teaching on Scriptural Holiness. He passionately added that, The Methodist Church Ghana has not amended her position on marriage as a covenant between one man and one woman, neither do we permit cohabitation by unmarried couples nor encourage divorce by Christians.
In summary, the Presiding Bishop gave the assurance and with full conviction that, our position as the people called Methodists in Ghana on same sex marriages goes against the commandments of God. With emphasis on holiness and sexuality, the Church can not and would not dissociate from faith commitments and responsibilities. Besides, the African ethos do not permit such alternative lifestyle and frowns upon them. The laws in the land do not permit such strains of behaviour.
The press conference ended with a prayer that called on the holy Spirit to intervene in these matters for those who want to uphold a biblical position do not get discouraged by a matter that obviously is very disheartening for many if not all.
- Story: Nii Odartey Lamptey
- Photography: Emmanuel Bossman
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