Neo-Pentecostalism and Same-Sex Relations in Ghana

Abstract

Same-sex relations also known as homosexuality has undoubtedly become a topical issue in recent years especially in Africa. Some scholars have argued that same-sex relations is not from Africa whiles others have also argued that it has been present in Africa since time immemorial. The Christian community has made some contribution in regard to the issue globally. The Metropolitan Community Church, Catholic Church, the Anglican Church and the Presbyterian Church have given much attention to same-sex relations by documentation. Neo-Pentecostals who form part of the largest Christian community in Ghana is used for this research in order to also have a comprehensive perspective on same-sex relations from their angle. This research is qualitative in nature. Phenomenological approach is used for this research because this approach helps to understand the meanings people ascribe to a phenomenon. Due to the sensitive nature of the research, snowball sampling technique is used. In order to have a proper perspective of the phenomenon, interviews were conducted among two dominant Neo-Pentecostal churches which were Action Chapel International and International Central Gospel Church. Pastors, leaders and members of these churches were interviewed. Christians involved in same-sex relations were also interviewed. The findings revealed that pastors and leaders have a positive perception towards people involved in same-sex relations whiles members to a large extent have a negative perception. However, pastors, leaders and members have positive relationship with people involved in same-sex relations.