Catholic Bishops in Nigeria have rejected the position of Pope Francis on the blessing of same-sex couples.
The Pope had, in December, approved blessings of same-sex couples by Catholic priests.
His position elicited criticisms from many Catholic faithful, with some saying the approval could be translated as the church’s endorsement of same-sex marriage.
Reacting, the Catholic bishops said it is disappointing that statements or declarations from the Holy See which ought to foster unity and communion on matters of doctrine, morals and liturgy, have done otherwise and succeeded in hurting the unity and catholicity of the church.
The bishops spoke through a speech delivered by its president, Lucius Ugorji, at the formal opening of the 2024 First Plenary Assembly of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) Sunday, at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Abuja.
“We must sincerely admit that the Declaration, Fiducia Supplicans (on the pastoral meaning of blessings), issued on 18th December 2023, by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, has added to our pains.
“While the document prohibits liturgical blessings for same-sex couples, it recommends at the same time spontaneous pastoral blessings for couples in irregular situations including the blessing of same-sex couples.
“It further stressed that such pastoral blessings should not be imparted in concurrence with the ceremonies of a civil union, and not even in connection with them nor can it be performed with any clothing, gestures, or words that are proper to a wedding.
“Given the ambiguities in the declaration, the document quickly aroused mixed reactions of acceptance, sceptical reserve and outright rejection from episcopal conferences and individual Bishops across the world,” he stated.
(Premium Times)
