Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church Ghana, Most Rev. Dr. Paul Kwabena Boafo says Ghana will not toe the line of the mother church in the UK to bless same-sex marriage.

The Methodist Church Ghana has therefore made a categorical statement it would only bless marriage between a man and a woman.

“The Methodist Church Ghana remains unashamedly and believe in the authority of the Bible,” Most Rev. Dr. Paul Kwabena Boafo declared at a press conference in Accra, Friday.

However, he added that the Church in Ghana does not harbor any hatred against gays, but was emphatic joining them together in marriage is unbiblical.

“We do not hate homosexuals, but we do not believe you can opt for that lifestyle and be a Christian according to the Bible,” the Presiding Bishop stressed.

The UK’s Methodist Church at a conference on July 3 by 247 votes to 48 majority decision passed a motion that “consent in principle to the marriage of same-sex couples on Methodist premises...and by Methodist ministers, probationers or members.”

Most Rev. Dr. Kwabena Boafo said the branch in Ghana was “concerned” about resolution especially the overwhelming endorsement for same-sex marriage, a decision that he said was “not taken kindly at all”.

“This is a sad development for nepotism,” he pointed out, sounding disappointed in the fact that the local church traces its roots to the UK.

He acknowledged the legal backing given to the decision of the British conference, noting Ghana can only “pray for them”.

Most Rev. Dr. Kwabena Boafo maintained that the Methodist Church Ghana is not bound by the decision of the British, neither would it be influenced by any conference anywhere.

The Church in Ghana is, therefore “resolved to defend the righteous faith delivered to the Church”, he said, “this we shall continue to do in the power of the holy spirit”.

“The Methodist Church Ghana has not amended her decision on marriage as a covenant between one man and one woman, and neither do we permit cohabitation by unmarried couples, or encourage divorce,” he stressed.