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LIBERIA: "No to Same Sex Marriage" - Episcopal Bishop Breaks Silence
By Necus M. Andrews
The Monrovia News
http://allafrica.com/stories/201405091861.html
May 8, 2014
Days following his election as second Archbishop of the Internal Province of West Africa, Bishop Jonathan B. B. Hart says the Episcopal Diocese of Liberia opposes same sex marriage.
Bishop Hart said no Episcopal Church in Liberia will officiate or preside over any same sex marriage
He maintained that the Episcopal Church will uphold and protect the biblical principles of God by denouncing homosexuality and lesbianism in the Church.
Addressing a news conference Wednesday at the Trinity Cathedral in Monrovia, Bishop Hart said the Episcopal Church of Liberia remains firmed on its position regarding same sex marriage.
"We as the Bishop of the Episcopal Church of Liberia have made a pronouncement that we do not condone same sex marriage; we will not allow it," Bishop Hart sends a caveat.
Bishop Hart was elected on May 1, 2014 as the second Archbishop of the Internal Province of West Africa (IPWA) at a special electoral college meeting of the Internal Province in the Anglican Diocese of Freetown, Sierra Leone.
He succeeds late Archbishop S. Tilewa Johnson of the Diocese of Gambia who died in January this year from heart attack.
Bishop Hart will have oversight responsibility of six dioceses as Archbishop of the Internal Province of West Africa, which include Liberia, Bo, Freetown, Gambia, Guinea and Cameroon.
When quizzed whether he will collaborate with countries that have endorsed same sex marriage, Hart stressed that the Episcopal Church will seek partnership but will do due diligence before such partnership is sealed.
He said due to the Episcopal Church's definite position on same sex marriage, "we are selective in seeking partnership."
According to him, in seeking partnership with other members of the Anglican Communion, the Church's position is always made clear that it will not support those who engage in same sex.
Bishop Hart wants the Liberian government to take a definite position on same sex marriage.
He noted that while the Liberian government is being urged to make a definite position on the practice, it is important that members of the Christian community come together to translate the church's opposition to members.
"We appreciate what the government will do, but we as a church need to take a position; we as a church must be able to say to our members that we do not encourage them to get involved in such practice," Bishop Hart added.
As it stands, the Liberian government is yet to make its position known on same sex activities.
Same sex marriage has been a controversial issue in Liberia over the last two years, with majority of Liberians opposing it, emphasizing that such practice is against the Bible and cultural heritage of the country.
Already, 82 countries in Africa have in place anti-same sex marriage law.
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