The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, CBCN, has said that there was no possibility for the Church to bless same-sex unions and their activities.
The body said such actions would contradict God’s law, the teachings of the Church, the laws of Nigeria, and the cultural sensibilities of the Nigerian people.
CBCN in a statement by its President, Archbishop of Owerri, Lucius Ugorji and Secretary, Donatus Ogun, Bishop of Uromi, yesterday, said: “The declaration seeks to clarify the different forms of blessing that can be given to persons and objects in the Catholic Church, including the possibility of blessing persons in irregular unions.
It identifies irregular unions to include, but not limited to, divorced and remarried couples, whose previous marriages had not been annulled, those in same-sex unions, those in polygamous unions, and those in concubinage, among others.
Nevertheless, the Church maintains a clear stance that the blessing of individuals in irregular unions can only be performed in a non-liturgical manner to prevent confusion.
The bishops further clarified that such blessings should not be conducted during or in connection with a civil wedding ceremony, nor should they incorporate attire, language, or symbols associated with a wedding.
“Inviting those in irregular unions to remain hopeful and open to conversion, the CBCN insisted that the Church does not possess the authority to bestow a blessing on irregular unions.
“The Declaration also reinforces the truth about God’s mercy. Asking for God’s blessing is not dependent on how good one is. Imperfection is the reason for seeking God’s grace,” they added.
The Catholic Bishops reassured Nigerians that the teachings of the Catholic Church on marriage remain the same, thanking all the Priests for their support of married couples.
They urged the Priests to continue in their efforts to uphold the sanctity of holy matrimony and never to do anything that would detract from this sacrament’s sacredness.
Source | Vanguard
