The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) said it’s not possible for the Church to bless same-sex unions and their activities.
The authority stated that such actions would be contrary to the law of God, the teachings of the Church, the laws of Nigeria and the cultural sensibilities of the Nigerian nation.
CBCN in a statement released yesterday by its President, Archbishop of Owerri, Lucius Ugorji and its Secretary, Donatus Ogun, Bishop of Uromi, 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.
jerrymusa.com reports that Irregular unions include, among others: divorced and remarried couples whose previous marriages have not been annulled, people in homosexual relationships, people in polygamous relationships and people in cohabiting relationships.
However, in order to avoid confusion, the Church makes it clear that the blessing of people living in irregular relationships can only take place in a non-liturgical way.
The bishops also clarified that such blessings should not be conducted during or in connection with a civil wedding ceremony, nor should they include clothing, language or symbols associated with a wedding.
CBCN takes a stand on irregular relationships
“The CBCN urged those living in irregular relationships to remain hopeful and open to conversion, emphasizing that the Church does not have the power to bless irregular relationships.
“The Declaration also confirms the truth about God’s mercy. Asking for God’s blessing does not depend on how good someone is. “Imperfection is the reason to seek God’s grace,” they added.
Catholic Bishops have assured Nigerians that the Catholic Church’s teachings on marriage remain unchanged and thanked all priests for their support of marriage.
They urged the Priests to remain committed to preserving the sanctity of holy matrimony and never to do anything that could compromise the sanctity of this sacrament.