Glory of God Prayer Group, St. Cecilia Parish, Wa Diocese, Ghana - Let Your Light Shine

Saint of the Day

Men should wonder at themselves

Men go abroad to wonder at the heights of mountains, at the huge waves of the sea, at the long courses of the rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motions of the stars, and they pass by themselves without wondering. Saint Augustine

unwanted, unloved

Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody, I think that is a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat. Mother Teresa

People of worth

Worthless people live only to eat and drink; people of worth eat and drink only to live. Socrates

All things unholy

I have been all things unholy. If God can work through me, he can work through anyone. Francis of Assisi

You must go through the experiences

The words printed here are concepts. You must go through the experiences. Saint Augustine

Words too big for the subject

Don't use words too big for the subject. Don't say 'infinitely' when you mean 'very'; otherwise you'll have no word left when you want to talk about something really infinite. C. S. Lewis

Pride of a false knowledge

Don't be proud of a false knowledge that there is no God when you are not God.   Felix Dordaa Mahama

Our life of poverty

Our life of poverty is as necessary as the work itself. Only in heaven will we see how much we owe to the poor for helping us to love God better because of them. Mother Teresa

Prayer does not change God

Prayer does not change God, but it changes him who prays. Soren Kierkegaard

Nonsense questions

Can a mortal ask questions which God finds unanswerable? Quite easily, I should think. All nonsense questions are unanswerable. C. S. Lewis

Intense love does not measure

Intense love does not measure, it just gives. Mother Teresa

Humility

Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it's thinking of yourself less. C. S. Lewis

Two kinds of people

There are two kinds of people: those who say to God, 'Thy will be done,' and those to whom God says, 'All right, then, have it your way.' C. S. Lewis

Words of light

Words which do not give the light of Christ increase the darkness. Mother Teresa

campaigning weather for the devil

The long, dull, monotonous years of middle-aged prosperity or middle-aged adversity are excellent campaigning weather for the devil. C. S. Lewis

if you love until it hurts

I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love. Mother Teresa

Hear the other side

Hear the other side. Saint Augustine

Improve yourself by other men's wri…

Employ your time in improving yourself by other men's writings, so that you shall gain easily what others have labored hard for. Socrates

The real problem

The real problem is not why some pious, humble, believing people suffer, but why some do not. C. S. Lewis

Lay first the foundation of humility

Do you wish to rise? Begin by descending. You plan a tower that will pierce the clouds? Lay first the foundation of humility. Saint Augustine

Report of the Catholic Church's position on baptism of transgender people

Recently, there has been a report claiming that the Catholic Church has decided to permit transgender people to be baptized and become godparents. I first read the report on graphic online website, titled "Trans people can be baptised in Catholic church and be godparents, says Vatican," through a link posted on WhatsApp. Though I have not read the original document supposedly released by the Vatican, an online search at the time of writing this article, reveals that various news outlets, such as washington post, bbc, reuters, the guardian, cbs news, nbc news, ap news, ny times, and k24tv.co.ke, among others, have reported on this development. With the assumption that the report is true and accurate (until I read the original document), I would like to share my thoughts on this development.

Teaching of the Catholic Church about sin and salvation

As to whether transgender people should be baptized and allowed to be godparents is a dicey question to answer. I'll attempt to share my opinion based of the teachings of the Catholic Church and my own reasoning.

One of the central and fundamental Christian beliefs is that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God - Romans 3:23, which is the reason for the very existence of Christianity - Jesus becoming man and sacrificing himself for mankind. The Catholic Church also teaches that every human being is born with original sin - Catechism of the Catholic church 396-406, which is cleansed through baptism. It is also taught that Jesus Christ came and sacrificed himself so that those who believe in him would be saved from death caused by sin. The Catholic Church teaches that remission of sin is accomplished through believing in Jesus Christ, baptism and onging repentance and participation in the sacrament of reconciliation. Jesus came for everyone, not a single person on earth excluded. Original sin can only be cleasned through baptism. Personal sin is cleansed through both baptism and the sacrament of reconciliation. Therefore, both forms of cleansing of sin rely on baptism. The unbaptized are not allowed to participate in the sacrament of reconciliation (except when they are about to be baptized, as far as I know).

Effect of prohibiting baptism of transgender people in the Catholic Church

From the foregoing, it stands to reason that if transgender people are not permitted to be baptized, they can never receive forgiveness of sins (according to Catholic belief, teaching and practice), and, therefore, are eternally condemned, with no hope of salvation. Should anybody be prohibited from participating in the salvation offer of God? No.

The problem with permitting baptism of transgender people in the Catholic Church

However, allowing transgender people to be baptized also poses a problem. It might lead to a false belief that there is nothing wrong with transgender practice, and,  thereofore, encourage people to do it with impunity, without seeking psychological and spiritual help to overcome what I believe is a disorder.

What is my personal opinion about the baptism of transgenger people in the Catholic Church?

From the foregoing analysis, it can be seen that there are both pros and cons for permitting the baptism of transgender people in the Catholic Church.

My opinion is that transgender people should be baptized, but on a condition.

Transgender people should be baptized if, and only if, they repent of their transgender alignment (i.e. accept that transgender is a sin, and they would reverse it if they could, or they would never do it if they could turn back the hands of time). This is the normal requirement in the Church since forgiveness, which is secured through baptism and the sacrament of reconciliation, requires total renunciation of ALL sins. As long as the transgender person repents of their transgender sin and all other sins, there's no reason to not baptize them.

While other sins do not cause a permanent change to a person's body, transgender transformation does. A little googling informs me that transgender transformation is reversible. I suggest that those transgender people who have repented, and who have the means to have their transgender status reversed without medical complications, should do so to prove their repentance, before they are baptized. For those who do not have the means to have their transgender status reversed, or whose attempt at reversal may result in medical complications, they should be baptised based on their verbal confession. I know that with the verbal confession, people can lie, but we should leave that to God. In any case, they were headed for eternal damnation anyway, without the intervention of the baptism and subsequently the sacrament of reconciliation. So if they lie, it just proves where they belong, and it's a judgement for God to make.

Should transgender people be godparents in the Catholic Church?

 It is my opinion that transgender people should not be godparents in the Catholic Church. My reasoning include:

  1. Preventing transgender people from being godparents will reinforce the message of the Church that transgender is not an acceptable practice. This is to somehow mitigate the possible negative effect caused by baptizing "repentant" transgender people.
  2. There are far far more "straight" people than transgender people, so it should not be a problem finding a "straight" person to be a godparent.
  3. It would limit the opportunity for transgender people who could pretend to repent but with the intention of infiltrating the Church to pollute others with their ideology.

In summary, I think transgender people should be baptized if they repent, but should not be allowed to be godparents. This position should be explained clearly and unequivocally by the Church.

Living in a changed life

Three days fasting and prayers - Wednesday, 26th November, 2008 Teacher: Felix Dordaa Mahama Text: {bib=1 Peter 4:1-6} “When you go to Rome, do what the Romans do” Once we want something from a certain place, we have to identify ourselves with that place and live like the people there (“When you go to Rome, do what the Romans do”). Once we change our state of life, we have to change the things that we do or the way we used to do them. In our... Read more>>>

The agenda is on - The six stages of soc…

Social Deception very often is a process by which wrong becomes right, and right becomes wrong. It’s a complete paradigm shift of opinions, standards and morals that is achieved softly, subtly and often takes a generation to entrench into society. Those who engineer it are very deliberate and structured in their approach.   If you want to know what I am talking about, find out your mother’s views on things like sexuality and marriage and compare them with yours. The contrast in... Read more>>>

Guarding friendship

Teaching for Sunday 21st June, 2009Teacher: Felix Dordaa Mahama Text: {bib=Sirach 22:19-27} Friendship = companionship History of friendship Friendship has existed since the beginning of creation: When God created man, he saw that it was not good for man to be alone, so he created woman – {bib=Genesis 2:8-23}. God used to come down and interact with Adam and Eve in the Garden. Destruction of friendship But man broke this friendship through disobedience by eating the forbidden fruit. We also frequently break our friendship with people... Read more>>>

What does God say about your problems?

A personal reflection on 23rd July 2011{bib=2 Kings 19:1-37} (start at {bib=2 Kings 18:13}) OR {bib=Isaiah 36, 37} {bib=2 Kings 19:3} – When you are in grief, do you pick a boyfriend/girlfriend for help; do you consult another god, do you start looking for a way to extort other people, do you throw your hands up in despair?               – When you are in shame do you show your enemies? {bib=2 Kings 19:6} – What are you going through now? Sickness, joblessness, underpayment, frustration... Read more>>>

Advice to young girls

The moment you agree to date a married man,you agree to be a second class woman andevery second class person is classified as a person of lower value.Now look at it this way.If he is with you and his wife calls,he lies that he is still in the office or on an official assignment.You dare not interrupt his conversation or quiry him, but you can't call him when he is at home....... My sister you be toy? He sneaks you from... Read more>>>

Short memory

One of the most painful things in this world is when people you helped in the past later decide to work against you. So many people have vowed never to do anything to help others again because of the ungratefulness of some people they once helped. Our world is really full of people with selective short memory. They only remember the bad you once did against them but quickly forget the good you did for them. Joseph was a man God... Read more>>>

Should transgender people be baptized or…

Report of the Catholic Church's position on baptism of transgender people Recently, there has been a report claiming that the Catholic Church has decided to permit transgender people to be baptized and become godparents. I first read the report on graphic online website, titled "Trans people can be baptised in Catholic church and be godparents, says Vatican," through a link posted on WhatsApp. Though I have not read the original document supposedly released by the Vatican, an online search at the time... Read more>>>

Wrong moral living or wrong moral teachi…

Difference between wrong moral living and wrong moral teachings Some people confuse the two concepts of wrong moral living and wrong moral teaching. If we study scripture carefully, we will realize that right from the beginning God has condemned both wrong moral living and wrong moral teaching. However, we also realized that even so, there has been no period in history when the world has been completely rid of evil or wrong moral living. Abraham, for instance, could not wait patiently for... Read more>>>

Understanding the book of Acts

Analysis of video condemning water baptism for gentiles(Understanding Acts)   It is very helpful to watch the complete video before reading my comments, so that you can have the full picture. Someone referred me to this video when we were discussing about baptism. The video claims that water baptism is not required by gentiles for salvation. I have analyzed the video and given my thoughts on it. I would have loved to post my comments directly on youtube, but comments have been disabled... Read more>>>

Lesson from the story of Joseph.

The brothers of joseph thought they were pushing him away from his dream of being who God said he would be. Little did they know that they were rather pushing him into it.   Read more>>>

It's a hoax: NASA finds message fro…

This message has been circulating on the internet and elsewhere about the discovery of a message from God by NASA. This is part of the story: The original message "NASA announced today that its Curiosity Rover has found an unambiguous message from God written on tablets in a Martian cave. According to an official press release two giant stone slabs the size of small elephants were located deep inside a cavern abutting Aeolis Mons, a large mountain. Upon one tablet is a copy of the Ten... Read more>>>

In your presence: prayer

Lord Jesus I need your presence in my life. Your presence is so sweet because you are a sweet Lord. When I rose from bed this morning, I felt so lonely, I felt so fearful because of all the difficulties I faced yesterday. I felt so uncertain about what was going to happen today. Review of previous day's events Early in the morning Ok, Lord, let’s review some of the things that happened yesterday. When I woke up in the morning, my children... Read more>>>

Who has more followers: God or satan?

Please finish reading before you do anything else right now; read this to the end. My name is God. I know you will give your time to me. I love you and always bless you. I am always with you. I need you to spend 30 minutes of your time with me today. Don't pray. Just praise. Today I want this message across the world. Will you help? Please drop everything & pass it on. Tell the devil you are... Read more>>>

Popular prayers

The Apostles’ Creed I believe in God, The Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from there He shall come to... Read more>>>

The Lord's prayer

Our Father, who is in heaven, holy is your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen. OR Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give... Read more>>>

The Father

I begin my day not knowing what went into the night as I slept.I wake up every morning to see the clear beautiful bright sky.I hear the birds of the air sing and fly stylishly across the sky.I see trees wave their leaves in the air.I see animals of all kind around the land.I see people like me doing one thing or the other.I wonder and ponder over it … The FATHER’S love.   Oh yes!  The FATHER’S love:So great, so steep,So... Read more>>>

In praise of the Lord

Who is it that visits the hot sun without getting burnt?Who else but the Lord of power Who is it that visits the cold moon without being frozen?Who else but the Lord of might Who is it that confines the seas with His hands?Who else but the Lord, the creator of the heavens and the earth Who is it that tames lions?Who else but the Lord Who is it that the winds obey?Who else but the Lord Who is it that waves obey?Who else but... Read more>>>

My soul belongs to Yahweh

Oh, satan, I pity you. I've just been reminded that my soul belongs to Yahweh, so u can't touch it. You are indeed a great loser.   Read more>>>

Prevailing prayers

Greetings My dear brothers and sisters, I greet you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of our faith and the sustainer of all living beings. Today I want us to look at the subject of prayer and its place in the life of a believer. What is prayer? Prayer is a communication, and the kind that takes place between God and the believer. In fact prayer is the meeting point between divinity and... Read more>>>

When God decides: authority of God

Exhortation during three days fasting and prayers: 28th–30th January, 2009Teacher: Felix Dordaa Mahama Text: {bib=Matthew 20:1-16} When God decides, no one can stand in His way. The message in the above title is what today’s text has presented to us. Jesus has likened the kingdom of heaven (i.e., the operation of God) to the farmer who has hired workers to work in his vineyard. The vineyard owner chose to pay the latecomers as much as he had paid the early comers, and this... Read more>>>