African bishops have collectively taken a stance against allowing blessings of same-sex couples in African churches, in light of the Vatican’s recent document Fiducia supplicans.
Fiducia supplicans, released on December 18, explained when blessings of couples in “irregular” situations, including same-sex couples, was permitted. However, these blessings are to be non-liturgical and distinct from marriage ceremonies.
The reaction to the Vatican’s declaration has been varied across the globe, but in Africa, it has been notably strong. Countries like Malawi, Nigeria, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo have voiced significant concern.
In a recent letter, Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, the Archbishop of Kinshasa and President of the Symposium of the Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), outlined the position of various African Episcopal Conferences, emphasizing their steadfast communion with Pope Francis but also their commitment to traditional Church teachings on marriage and sexuality.
Cardinal Ambongo’s statement, echoing the sentiment of many African bishops, highlights the challenges in implementing such blessings outlined by Fiducia supplicans in Africa.
He stated, “We, the African Bishops, do not consider it appropriate for Africa to bless homosexual unions or same-sex couples because, in our context, this would cause confusion and would be in direct contradiction to the cultural ethos of African communities.”
The bishops stressed the importance of adhering to longstanding doctrines on Christian marriage and sexuality, echoing the Vatican’s stance that homosexual acts are “intrinsically disordered” and contrary to natural law.
Cardinal Ambongo reassured that all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation, should be treated with respect and dignity. However, the bishops’ decision, approved by Pope Francis and the Vatican, made it clear that the African Church will not bless same-sex couples,
Photo credit: François-Régis Salefran via Wikimedia Commons
