Catholic Bishops in Nigeria have, again, reiterated their position on the blessing of same-s£x couples.

Catholic Bishops in Nigeria have, again, reiterated their position on the blessing of same-s£x couples.

They said the Pope’s stance could be translated as an endorsement of same-s£x marriage and it will not happen in Nigeria.

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, Feb. 18, at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Abuja.

Rev. Ugorji said 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-s£x 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.