The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, CBCN, says blessing same-sex marriage is against God’s law.
The Nigerian bishops, who were reacting to the controversy arising from Pope Francis’ directive that Catholic priests can bless same-sex couples, also said blessing same-sex marriage is contrary to the teachings of the Church, the laws of the country and the cultural sensibilities of Nigerians.
The bishops said this in a statement made available to newsmen on Thursday in Ibadan. The statement was signed by CBCN President and Secretary, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji and Most Rev. Donatus Ogun, respectively, and other executives.
The bishops insisted that the teachings of the Catholic Church on marriage remained the same. The bishops said anyone requesting for a blessing which is a prayer or plea, usually delivered by a minister, has a desire to live according to God’s commandment.
As such, “those in irregular unions are invited never to lose hope but rather to ask for God’s grace and mercy while remaining open to conversion,” the statement issued on Wednesday said.
In conclusion, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria assures the entire People of God that the teaching of the Catholic Church on marriage remains the same,” the statement added.
“There is, therefore, no possibility in the Church of blessing same-sex unions and activities. That would go against God’s law, the teachings of the Church, the laws of our nation and the cultural sensibilities of our people. We thank all the priests for their accompaniment of married couples, asking them to continue in all they do to sustain the sacrament of Holy Matrimony and never to do anything that will detract from the sacredness of this sacrament,” the Nigerian Catholic Bishops said.
