Archbishop Cyril Kobina Ben-Smith Opposes Ghana’s New Anti-LGBTQ+ Law After Past Support

Archbishop Cyril Kobina Ben-Smith, the Anglican Primate of West Africa, has publicly opposed Ghana’s recent law criminalizing the promotion of LGBTQ+ activities, despite his past support for similar legislation. In an interview with the BBC, Ben-Smith stated, “We do not support the criminalization of gay persons,” emphasizing that LGBTQ+ individuals have long coexisted in Ghana without issue. He acknowledged the complexity of the issue, noting that while the Church believes God created male and female, it affirms that “God loves them” and all are “children of God.”

The BBC reporter highlighted Ben-Smith’s previous advocacy for anti-LGBTQ+ laws, including his leadership in 2021 when Ghanaian bishops supported a bill proposing up to five years in prison for self-identifying LGBTQ+ individuals. At the time, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby criticized the bishops’ stance. Ben-Smith’s position has since evolved, reflecting a broader tension within the Anglican Communion on LGBTQ+ issues.

In 2022, Ben-Smith signed a statement urging Ghanaian citizens to “show love to them as the Church of Jesus Christ is called to demonstrate the love of God by protecting all vulnerable people and groups.” This marked a shift from his earlier support for criminalization, though he continued to frame his stance within a theological framework. He later stated that the church’s support for anti-LGBTQ+ laws was “born the belief that the practice is unbiblical and ungodly,” citing Leviticus 20:13 as a basis for his position.

Ben-Smith’s evolving stance has drawn attention within the global Anglican Communion, where debates over LGBTQ+ inclusion remain contentious. His leadership spans nearly two million Anglicans across multiple countries, placing him among the most influential figures in the Communion. The contrast between his past and present positions underscores the ongoing struggle within the Church to reconcile traditional teachings with contemporary social realities.

The BBC also raised concerns about the impact of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation on asylum seekers in the UK, citing fears of discrimination and violence. Ben-Smith acknowledged these concerns, stating, “The church does not support people to be criminalized.” His remarks reflect a growing awareness within some Anglican circles of the human cost of divisive policies, even as theological convictions remain a central point of contention.

The Anglican Communion continues to grapple with internal divisions over LGBTQ+ issues, with leaders like Ben-Smith navigating the tension between doctrinal commitments and pastoral care. As debates unfold, the Church’s response to these challenges will likely shape its role in both religious and public life.

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