Catholic Bishops in Nigeria have expressed disagreement with the position of Pope Francis on the blessing of same-s3x couples.
They said the Pope’s stance could be translated as
endorsement of same-s3x marriage.
This was contained in a speech by Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru
Ugorji, at the formal opening of the 2024 First Plenary Assembly of the CBCN on
Sunday, at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Abuja.
According to him, statements or declarations from the Holy
See should expectedly foster unity and communion on matters of doctrine, morals
and liturgy, but unfortunately, Fiducia Supplicans did otherwise, adding that
the declaration hurt the unity and catholicity of the Church.
“We must sincerely admit that the Declaration, Fiducia
Supplicans (On the Pastoral Meaning Blessings), issued on 18th December, 2023,
by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, has added to our pains,” he
said.
According to him, while the document prohibits liturgical
blessings for same-s3x couples, it recommends at the same time spontaneous
pastoral blessings for couples in irregular situations, including the blessing
of same-s3x 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,”
Ugorji said.
He noted that with the media hype that ambushed the text,
its publication generated shock, outrage and disbelief among the faithful in
Nigeria as elsewhere in Africa and other parts of the world, with many devout
Catholics in the communities wondering how a Priest could bless same-s3x
couples who live permanently in a sinful union without causing confusion and
scandal.
He said, “In the midst of this confusion and pushback, we
must, as Pastors with the pastoral task of safeguarding the deposit of faith in
its purity and integrity, uphold the teaching of the Church based on Holy
Scripture and Tradition.
“We shouldn’t be conformed to this world but be transformed
by renewing our minds, so we may discern what the will of God is, what is good
and acceptable and perfect. We must continue to teach our faithful that there
is no possibility of blessing same-s3x couples or same-s3x unions in the Church
in Africa.
“Homos3xual acts are of grave depravity which are
intrinsically disordered and, above all, contrary to natural law. In
furtherance of our pastoral and prophetic mission, we must also continue to
stress that God loves the sinner unconditionally and calls him to repentance so
that he might live.”
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