A candid message from a Catholic priest in Accra has set off talk online after he openly admitted that priests also struggle with human feelings — including attraction to women.
Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Obeng Codjoe, of St. John the Evangelist Church in Adenta, told members of his congregation that being ordained doesn’t exempt priests from the emotional and psychological experiences that ordinary people go through.
Speaking during a service, he explained that priests are human first, with real thoughts and feelings, and that ordination doesn’t make them immune to attraction. “I am not made of wood. I am human, and I have feelings too,” he said in the video that has since gone viral on social media.
The priest was responding to a question from some young members of his church who asked if he ever feels attracted to women. His honest reply underscored a broader point — that clergy are not free from the emotional struggles that affect all believers.
Fr. Codjoe used the moment to encourage his congregation in their spiritual lives. He reminded them that while natural feelings are part of being human, Christians are called to pursue lives that honor God. He urged his listeners to rid themselves of lustful thoughts and anger, and to focus on spiritual growth, especially during the season of Lent.
“Some of the youth ask me, ‘Father, do you have feelings when you see women?’ and I tell them it is not easy. It is no joke,” he said.
Reactions to the priest’s words have varied. Many on social media praised him for his openness, saying his honesty makes faith more relatable. Others saw his remarks as a timely reminder that spiritual leaders are still human and face the same challenges as their congregations.
Whether people agree or disagree with his view, Fr. Codjoe’s message continues to spark conversation about faith, humanity, and the expectations placed on those in religious leadership.
Watch the video below;
@st.john.the.evang8 Homily for the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time Watch full video on our YouTube channel #catholic #catholictiktok #fyp #foryoupage #homily @Fr Cross ♬ original sound – ST.JOHN THE EVANGELIST,ADENTA
