Anglican Church bodies address LGBTQIA+ inclusion and criminalization

The Anglican Church of Southern Africa (ACSA) has rejected two proposals aimed at increasing pastoral inclusion for LGBTQIA+ members. During the ACSA’s 38th Provincial Synod, delegates voted against a motion to allow prayers for members in committed same-sex unions, with 78 votes against and 71 in favor. A second proposal to develop a special liturgy for the LGBTQIA+ community was also defeated. The Synod includes representatives from South Africa, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, and St Helena.

In West Africa, the Anglican Church of Ghana has expressed opposition to the criminalization of LGBTQ+ individuals. Archbishop Cyril Kobina Ben-Smith stated that while the church maintains its opposition to same-sex relationships, it does not support the criminalization of gay persons. This stance comes amid legislative tension in Ghana regarding the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, which seeks to expand restrictions on LGBTQ+ identification and activities.