Feb 19, 2024
The Catholic bishops in Nigeria have disagreed with the position of Pope Francis, on the issue of the blessing of same-sex couples which simply means endorsement of same-sex marriage by the church.
This was contained in a speech delivered by the President of Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), 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.
The bishops said statements or declaration from the Holy See should, expectedly, foster unity and communion among bishops on matters of doctrine, morals and liturgy, unfortunately, Fiducia Supplicans did otherwise, thus the declaration has hurt the unity and catholicity of the church.
“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,” Ugorji said.
Also speaking, the Archbishop of Abuja Catholic Archdiocese, Most Rev Ignatius Kaigama, said the theme of the CBCN Conference is an opportunity to get clearer information or education on several issues concerning the church and its doctrine.
