Bridget Otoo, a well-known Ghanaian media personality, sparked outrage when she suggested that Catholic priests be permitted to marry. While her original message sought to address allegations of sexual misbehavior inside the church, her subsequent words and growing tone drew both criticism and worry.
Otoo’s initial proposal stemmed from disturbing claims about priests engaging in “immoral lives,” including “having children, some raping women and sodomizing innocent boys at the altar.”
She posed a provocative question: “Can we Catholics also copy others and let our priests marry instead of the immoral lives they are living?”
Many Ghanaians, especially Catholics, were outraged with her remarks right away since they were hurtful and demeaning to their religion. Social media erupted in criticism, branding Otoo as insensitive and painting the entire religious community in a negative light based on the acts of a small number of people.
However, Otoo did not back down; instead, she strengthened her position and released a “clarification” that exacerbated the problem. Instead of offering marriage as a remedy, she apologized and suggested something much more drastic.
“If they won’t change their pedophilic, sodomizing young boys at the altar, raping women and having multiple children all over with the church covering it, I suggest we castrate them.”
I’m sorry for suggesting that Catholic priests be allowed to marry, I was trying to be kind. If they won’t change their pedophilic, sodomizing young boys at the alter, raping women and having multiple children all over with the church covering it, I suggest we castrate them.
— Bee 🐝 (@Bridget_Otoo) December 4, 2023
This escalating rhetoric has deeply divided public opinion. Some commend Otoo’s boldness in addressing the sensitive issue of sexual abuse within the church, believing her shocking statements are necessary to force a much-needed conversation. They highlight the church’s historical silence and alleged cover-ups, emphasizing the urgency of tackling this pervasive problem
Some people are still fiercely against her techniques. They argue that these methods simply serve to further polarize the debate and obstruct productive conversation, and they denounce the generalizations, the aggressive rhetoric, and the violent overtones. They think it would be more successful to concentrate on the specific offenders and pursue legal options for justice.
Meanwhile, the Catholic Church in Ghana has remained silent, neither directly responding to Otoo’s allegations nor publishing any formal pronouncements. This has generated conjecture and frustration, leading many to question the church’s stance and dedication to resolving reported abuses within its ranks.
