Catholic Bishops call for national dialogue on LGBTQ debate

The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has called for a serious national dialogue on issues relating to family values and LGBTQ matters, cautioning against attempts to downplay the significance of the ongoing debate. The call reflects growing engagement from religious institutions in Ghana’s national discourse on morality, governance, and social cohesion.

In a public statement signed by the Bishop of Sunyani and President of the Conference, Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, on Friday, April 10, the Bishops responded to recent remarks attributed to President John Dramani Mahama and Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, regarding the place of LGBTQ+ and family values discussions in Ghana’s national agenda. Their intervention signals the Church’s intent to influence both public opinion and policymaking.

The statement indicated that the Church was speaking “as shepherds of the faithful and as citizens deeply invested in the spiritual, moral, social, and democratic flourishing of our nation,” adding that its intervention was intended to “deepen, rather than diminish, the quality of national conversation.” The statement underscores the dual role of religious leaders as both spiritual guides and civic participants.

The Bishops referenced public comments reportedly made by President Mahama at the World Affairs Council, in which he described LGBTQ+ matters as “not the most important issue we face as a nation.” They also cited remarks by the Communications Minister suggesting the issue was “not a major priority for Ghanaians” and a “waste of time.” These comments have sparked debate across political, civil society, and religious circles.

While acknowledging that the comments may have been intended to emphasise urgent economic concerns, the Conference warned that such framing risks undermining the moral dimension of public life, which it considers equally important.

"Even if intended to prioritise urgent socio-economic concerns, such descriptions risk conveying that certain moral questions may be set aside as inconsequential. Yet no question that touches the structure of human identity, family life, and social continuity can be trivial. Nations do not live by bread alone. They are sustained also by the invisible architecture of values,” the statement said. This highlights the Church’s view that moral considerations are foundational to national development.

Addressing Ghana’s socio-economic challenges, including inflation, unemployment and gaps in public services, the Bishops said they recognised the pressures facing government and citizens but rejected what they described as a false separation between economic development and moral responsibility. They argued that both dimensions must be pursued simultaneously.

“We readily acknowledge the weight of Ghana’s present challenges,” the statement read. “However, it is analytically unsound to frame a choice between economic progress and moral coherence. The two are not rivals but companions.” This perspective reinforces the interconnectedness of policy priorities.

The Conference further argued that stable family structures contribute to improved educational outcomes, reduced crime rates and greater economic mobility, describing the family as a critical pillar of social stability and national development.

Reaffirming its position on marriage and family life, the Bishops stated that for many Ghanaians, the debate is rooted in deep cultural and religious convictions, reflecting long-standing societal values.

“By ‘family values,’ we refer to the understanding of marriage as a lifelong union between one man and one woman, ordered toward mutual good and the procreation and formation of children,” the statement explained. This definition aligns with traditional teachings upheld by the Church.

They added that “the family is the first school of virtue and the seedbed of civic responsibility,” warning that “when the family flourishes, society finds coherence. When it fractures, social costs multiply, often silently, often generationally.” The statement emphasises long-term societal impacts.

The Bishops also emphasised what they described as two inseparable moral principles: the dignity of every person and the traditional understanding of marriage, stressing the need for balance.

“First, the inviolable dignity of every human person. No individual, regardless of sexual orientation or identity, may be subjected to violence, hatred, or unjust discrimination. Such acts are moral failures and social wounds. We condemn them without reservation. Second, the legitimate responsibility of society to uphold and protect the institution of the family, founded upon the union of a man and a woman,” the statement said. This dual stance seeks to combine compassion with doctrinal beliefs.

The Conference further addressed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, noting that it had closely followed its progress through Parliament. It recalled what it described as a prior assurance from the President regarding assent to the bill, indicating expectations from the executive branch.

"Should Parliament complete its deliberations and pass the bill, we urge the president to honour this assurance,” the statement said. This call adds pressure on political leadership regarding future decisions.

At the same time, the Bishops acknowledged concerns surrounding the legislation, stressing that such issues require careful legislative scrutiny and possible refinement to ensure the law reflects both the moral convictions of Ghanaians and constitutional commitments to human dignity and fundamental rights. This suggests openness to dialogue and review.

Urging restraint in public discourse, the Bishops warned against dismissing sensitive moral debates, noting the importance of inclusive engagement.

"To describe such a debate as a ‘waste of time’ risks alienating citizens for whom these issues are existentially meaningful,” the statement noted. The warning highlights potential societal divisions.

They called on the executive, legislature, religious leaders, traditional authorities and civil society to engage in dialogue marked by intellectual seriousness, mutual respect and moral clarity, encouraging constructive national conversations.

“Words can either build a republic of trust or fracture it into suspicion,” the statement added. This underscores the power of language in shaping public unity.

Concluding the statement, the Bishops said Ghana stands “at a delicate intersection where economic aspiration meets moral self-definition,” warning that decisions taken today will have lasting generational consequences. The statement frames the issue as pivotal for the country’s future.

They prayed that the nation be guided by wisdom and justice, entrusting Ghana to “the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph,” and ending with the blessing, "May God bless our homeland Ghana and make her great and strong.” The conclusion reflects the Church’s spiritual perspective and hopes for national unity.