President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, has affirmed that the institution does not stigmatise or hate homosexuals and other queer practitioners.
Speaking to TV XYZ news, the renowned clergyman explained that rather such practitioners must be counseled and supported by their families to change from their ways.
While asking for support for practitioners of LGBTQ+, Most. Reverend Gyamfi was quick to add that the Catholic Church won’t condone their practice as it goes against societal norms and values. He also indicated that the Bible is also against their practice.
Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi made it clear in the interview on March 21, 2024, that “Our church frowns on these practices [homosexuality] but these people, just as other criminals live in the society and worship with us. We abhor criminality but we have to ensure that they are not stigmatised.”
“They need our support to stop these bad practices, especially when we suspect they do so. Their families should counsel them well and ensure that they turn away from their bad deeds,” he told Piesie Okrah in Akan.
His comment comes at a time pressure is mounting on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to assent to the anti-LGBTQ bill that was passed by Parliament few days ago.
“Parliament has the right to make laws. We don’t care what the president has said elsewhere, but what we expect from the president is to give his assent to the bill to be passed into law,” Most Rev. Gyamfi stated.
Most Rev. Matthew Gyamfi highlighted that they are looking up to parliament to fulfil the demands of the laws, and the president has no way to change the will of the entire population.
He debunked claim that Pope Francis has said a man can marry another man, and the church will bless their marriage, indicating that it was never true and that people misinterpreted the message.
“He only said we should not segregate against anyone. People come to us for prayers everyday for prayers so Pope indicated that we should not ask about the sexuality of someone before we pray for them,” he concluded.
Source: Myxyzonline.com
