Kenyan Catholic Bishops sought to clarify Pope Francis’ stance in blessing same sex couples that sparked a debate.
The Catholic clerics, noting that certain aspects of the Vatican letter were causing anxiety and even confusion decided to make set the record straight.
Notably, there was the question of whether the Catholic Church is endorsing and approving the “Same-Sex Marriages” or changing the understanding of marriage between a man and a woman.
In a report, the bishops stated the Vatican Document does not change in any way the understanding of Marriage as a Sacrament in the Church, an indissoluble union between a man and a woman, for life.
“It clearly states: “this Declaration remains firm on the traditional doctrine of the Church about marriage, not allowing any type of liturgical rite or blessing similar to a liturgical rite that can create confusion,” the bishops noted.
Also, according to the bishops, the declaration does not in any way approve of “Same-sex Marriages” nor try to give a back-door recognition of such a union.
Further, the clergymen stated that the document sought to awaken the invitation of all people to God’s action and grace.
Also Read: Pope Francis Allows Blessings for Same Sex Couples in Major Shift
“The Church seeks to reach out to all individuals, in order to stir them to the path of conversion and salvation,” they stated.
Blessing all
Consequently, the bishops noted that according to the document, anyone, irrespective of their moral life or faith condition are welcome to receive blessings from the Church or a church minister.
“The Church does not withhold a blessing to an individual who seeks it with an attitude of truth and faith.
This blessing can be given even to non-Catholics, or non-Christians who honestly wish to receive God’s blessing,” the report read in part.
Additionally, the report noted the social situation of Same-sex marriages does not find acceptance in the African culture.
“We encourage especially the understanding of blessings as a gesture of humble submission to God and His ways, while recognizing our own sinfulness and need for conversion and of Salvation,” the report read in part.
Subsequently, the bishops held they do not bless the immoral actions people but hope that the blessing and prayers offered over them as human persons will provoke them to conversion and to return to the ways of the Lord.
“The intention of this moment is not to get caught by the many interpretations given by various proponents in the world, but to pay attention to the “Work of Redemption” that Jesus Christ is set to carry out,” they stated.
This clarification by the Kenyan bishops offers a nuanced perspective on the issue of blessings, acknowledging the need for spiritual support for all individuals while maintaining the Church’s teachings on marriage and family.
Anthony Muheria’s Message
On Wednesday December 20, Antony Muheria, the Archbishop of Nyeri said the church must give blessings to all.
“Basically, we as priests and as Church must give blessings to anyone who honestly asks for them,” he stated.
He stressed that blessings are not endorsements of specific lifestyles or actions, but rather expressions of God’s grace and love for all people.
However, he noted the acceptance was not an approval of same sex marriages.
“This is not about approval or blessing same-sex unions. All sinners need blessing on their way to Truth and God,” he added.
Pope’s Message
Pope Francis approved a document issued by the Vatican announcing the stance to allow priests to offer blessings to same-sex couples.
Also Read: Pope Francis Fires Vatican Bishop Over New Reforms
However, the declaration emphasized that priests cannot bless couples in official liturgical settings or in any way that could be mistaken for officiating a marriage.
“In any case, precisely to avoid any form of confusion or scandal, when the prayer of blessing is requested by a couple in an irregular situation -even though it is expressed outside the rites prescribed by the liturgical books- this blessing should never be imparted in concurrence with the ceremonies of a civil union, and not even in connection with them,” read the letter in part.
The leader of the Roman Catholic Church said priests should be permitted to bless same-sex and “irregular” couples, under certain circumstances.
Nonetheless, the Church added that it continues to view marriage as between a man and a woman.
The Vatican said the change was a sign that “God welcomes all”.
