Gay, lesbianism against God's purpose for marriage - Bishop

Kumasi, March 12, GNA - The Most Reverend John Martin Darko, Catholic Bishop of Sekondi-Takoradi, has expressed concern about gay marriages, homosexuality and lesbianism creeping into the Ghanaian society, saying, "Such evil practices defied God's purpose for marriage". He urged Clergymen to vigorously condemn such practices since marriage was a sacred institution and must be carried out in accordance with God's purpose.

Most Rev Darko made the call at the 27th plenary assembly of the National Catholic Laity Council in Kumasi on Friday on the theme, "Renewal of the Family Apostolate -A Shared Responsibility". He said the growing misconception about marriage as a mere social practice was bringing the institution into disrepute and contributed to the many marriage breakdowns in the society. "Our families are no more formation homes for our children as there are many cases of single parenthood which had bred street children, vagabonds, armed robbers and other forms of aberrations in human character", he said.

He indicated that as the development of families was the most important indicator of cultural and institutional development of any country, Christians should reassert the institutions of marriage and the family as realities that derived from the wisdom of God's will. Mr Augustine Azupio, Chairman of the Laity Council, called on the laity to consider themselves as an integral part of the Catholic Church and make the necessary input to enhance the development of the Church.