Gay marriage remains a highly debated topic in a world where views on human rights and inclusivity are constantly evolving.
Recently, a significant development within the Roman Catholic Church has emerged, raising the question: Will Nigeria’s Catholic Bishops bless gay marriages?
Pope Francis has recently allowed priests to bless same-sex couples, marking a notable advancement for LGBT individuals.
Credit: American Psychological Association
However, the Vatican clarified that such blessings should not align with regular Church rituals or signify endorsement of civil unions or weddings.
The Church maintains its traditional and Biblical view of marriage as a union between a man and a woman.
This shift, announced in a document approved by Pope Francis, aims to signal that “God welcomes all.”
However, it mandates that priests make case-by-case decisions regarding blessings.
Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández underscored that this change does not equate to a doctrinal shift but is a step towards embracing the Pope’s vision of a more inclusive Church.
The declaration states that individuals seeking blessings need not possess prior moral perfection.
Despite this progressive step, the declaration maintains that the Church does not validate the status of same-sex couples in its doctrine.
In 2021, Pope Francis asserted that priests could not bless same-sex marriages as the Church cannot bless sin.
However, his recent openness to blessing same-sex couples suggests a softening of tone, if not a change in position.
Internationally, some bishops have allowed priests to bless same-sex couples, though official Church positions remained ambiguous.
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Stance of Nigerian Catholic Bishop on Gay Marriage
This leads us to the stance of the Nigerian Catholic Bishops.
The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has made it clear that the Pope’s pronouncement does not alter the Church’s teaching on marriage.
Leading figures in the CBCN, Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji and Bishop Donatus Ogun emphasized that blessing same-sex marriages contradicts God’s Law, Church teachings, Nigerian laws, and local cultural sensibilities.
The CBCN clarified that the declaration “Fiducia Supplicans” distinguishes between different forms of blessings – ritual, liturgical, and informal – within the Church.
It acknowledges the possibility of extending informal blessings to all, irrespective of their moral condition, but insists that blessings in irregular unions should be non-liturgical and distinct from wedding-related ceremonies or symbols.
The Nigerian Catholic Bishops reiterate that the Church’s teachings on marriage remain unchanged.
The possibility of blessing same-sex unions or activities is firmly opposed, aligning with God’s law, Church teachings, and Nigerian cultural values.
The CBCN’s stance reflects a commitment to traditional teachings while navigating the complexities of modern societal changes.
Their message is clear: the sanctity of the sacrament of holy matrimony in the Catholic Church is to be upheld, with no concessions for the blessing of same-sex unions.
While the Catholic Church, under Pope Francis, shows signs of a more inclusive approach, the Nigerian Catholic Bishops stand firm in their views.
This balancing act between doctrinal fidelity and evolving societal norms continues to challenge religious institutions worldwide, making it a topic of ongoing interest and debate.
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