A recent Vatican directive allowing blessings for same-sex couples has elicited a range of responses from Catholic leaders.
While upholding church doctrine that defines marriage as between a man and woman, some have adopted a more welcoming posture towards same-sex couples.
The Vatican had approved “spontaneous pastoral blessings for same-sex couples and other couples in irregular situations.”
However, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria maintained there is “no possibility in the teaching of the Church of blessing same-sex unions.”
A statement signed by its president, Lucius Ugirji and the Secretary, Donatus Ogun, partly reads: “The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria assures the entire People of God that the teaching of the Catholic Church on marriage remains the same. There is, therefore, no possibility in the teaching of the Church of blessing same-sex unions and activities.”
