Catholic Bishops in Nigeria have sent a message to Pope Francis. The Bishops said they will not bless 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.”
Post a Comment