Catholic Bishops of Nigeria Affirm Stance Against Blessing Same-Sex Unions

In a resolute declaration, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has emphasized its unwavering stance against blessing same-sex unions and activities, citing conflict with God’s law, Church teachings, Nigerian laws, and cultural sensibilities.

The statement, issued on Thursday, reaffirms the Church’s position on marriage as an “exclusive, stable, and indissoluble union of a man and a woman.” The CBCN’s statement follows the recent reconfirmation by the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), asserting that the Church’s teachings on the sacrament of marriage remain unchanged, despite the Vatican’s recent decision allowing blessings for same-sex couples.

An anonymous CSN official clarified, “It’s crucial to reiterate that this does not change the Church’s teaching on the sacrament of marriage. The Church’s view on same-sex marriage remains unaltered.”

The CBCN’s statement, attributed to Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji and Bishop Donatus Ogun, President and Secretary of CBCN respectively, addresses the Vatican Declaration ‘Fiducia Supplicans’ (pleading with courage), clarifying various forms of blessings within the Catholic Church. Irregular unions, including divorced and remarried couples, those in same-sex unions, polygamous unions, and concubinage, are specified.

While the Church acknowledges the need for blessings for individuals in irregular unions, it insists that such blessings should be non-liturgical to avoid confusion. The CBCN emphasized that these blessings should not be incorporated into civil wedding ceremonies or involve wedding-associated attire, language, or symbols.

Addressing individuals in irregular unions, the CBCN urged hope and openness to conversion, stressing that the Church lacks authority to bless unions like same-sex marriages. The declaration also highlighted God’s mercy, emphasizing that seeking blessings is not contingent on personal perfection.

The Catholic Bishops reassured Nigerians that the Church’s teachings on marriage remain unchanged. They expressed gratitude to priests for supporting married couples, urging them to uphold the sanctity of holy matrimony without compromising its sacredness.