the bishops of ghana released a communique in november 2017 that states, "in considering a pastoral approach towards people who have contracted a civil marriage, who are divorced and remarried, or simply living together, the church has the responsibility of helping them understand the divine teaching of grace in their lives and offering them assistance so they can reach the fullness of god’s plan for them, something which is always possible by the power of the holy spirit." the communique continues, "discernment must help to find possible ways of responding to god and growing in the midst of limits. by thinking that everything is black and white, we sometimes close off the way of grace and of growth, and discourage paths of sanctification which give glory to god. let us remember that 'a small step, in the midst of great human limitations, can be more pleasing to god than a life which appears outwardly in order, but moves through the day without confronting great difficulties'. the practical pastoral care of ministers and of communities must not fail to embrace this reality. (cf. al, 305)"