Dialogue and Bible Studies Workshop

A transformative training event themed “Training of Dialogue and Bible Studies Facilitators” organized by the Center for Religion and Public Life, Ghana was held in Keta from the 16th to 19th March 2025, drawing together 28 participants from the LGBTQ+ community. The training aimed to build the capacity of individuals to become facilitators of dialogue and Bible study sessions that promote inclusivity, empathy, and deeper theological reflection, particularly around issues related to the LGBTIQ+ community. The event, organized by Center for Religion and Public Life was hosted in Keta and focused on empowering participants with theological tools and hermeneutical skills to navigate complex conversations within faith communities. As tensions continue to rise between various societal groups, particularly around matters of sexuality and religious belief, this training positions participants to become mediators and bridge-builders. Through interactive sessions and workshops, attendees learned how to lead Bible studies that are not only faithful to scripture but also rooted in compassion, justice, and inclusion. The training challenged participants to consider the radical love of Christ and the church’s responsibility to extend that love to all people regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, or social status. A core message of the event emphasized that every human being is an expression of the Divine. The facilitators underscored that discrimination in any form be it based on ethnicity, tribe, skin color, gender, or sexual disposition is not only unjust but also a sin. The training called on churches to lead by example, creating safe and affirming spaces where all people are treated with dignity and grace. Participants also explored the deep African and Christian roots of compassion and community. Referencing Genesis 4:9, the message “Am I my brother’s keeper?” was reclaimed as both a moral and spiritual mandate. In African communal tradition, care for one another is not optional but essential. The training reaffirmed that this ethic of care must extend to the most marginalized among us, including the LGBTIQ+ community. One of the facilitators who also doubles as the Director of Programs, Projects and Operations at CRPL-GH explains that "the church is not just a spiritual institution, it is a divine vehicle with a moral obligation to stand against all forms of injustice, including homophobia. This affirms the church’s relevance and calling in society.” The participants left Keta empowered, inspired, and ready to return to their communities with a renewed sense of purpose to foster understanding, facilitate meaningful conversations, and lead Bible studies that reflect the inclusive message of Christ. As Ghana continues to grapple with divisive narratives that surround faith and identity, trainings like this are essential in laying the foundation for dialogue, healing, and transformation within both the church and society at large.