At the end of 2023, the Vatican proposed that priests bless homosexual couples. The bishops of Africa speak of a “shock wave” caused by the move – and reject it.
The African bishops overwhelmingly reject the Vatican’s proposal to bless homosexual couples. This emerges from a statement by the President of the All-African Bishops’ Council SECAM, Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo.
It is a reaction to the declaration “Fiducia supplicans” by the Vatican religious authority of December 18, 2023. The text recommended a blessing for same-sex couples and at the same time emphasized that confusion with the sacrament of marriage must be ruled out.
Cardinal: Proposal caused “shockwave”.
In the statement, Ambongo summarized the results of a survey of all bishops’ conferences of Africa and Madagascar that took place over the past two weeks. The proposal from Rome caused a “shock wave” and misunderstanding in the Church of Africa and caused unrest among believers and pastors, Ambongo wrote.
The survey that was then launched at the bishops’ conferences revealed a broad consensus on the topic of marriage and family and a uniform attitude towards same-sex couples. In conclusion, the cardinal stated: “We, the African bishops, do not consider it appropriate to bless homosexual unions or couples of the same sex. Because in our context this would cause confusion and be in direct contrast to the cultural norms of African societies.”
The text continues: “The language of ‘Fiducia supplicans’ is too subtle for ordinary people to understand. Furthermore, it is not very convincing that people who live permanently as a couple do not claim legitimacy for their relationship would derive status.”
Bishops can decide on blessings themselves
Ambongo indicated that there is also a different perspective in some African countries. They wanted “more time” for deeper reflection.
The statement also emphasized that Catholic pastors should treat “people in irregular situations” with benevolence and support and should treat homosexually oriented people with respect. In addition, each bishop remains free to decide whether he wants to allow such blessings in his diocese. But: “African bishops’ conferences as a whole prefer not to offer blessings to couples of the same sex.”