In response to the recent pronouncement by the Pope on same-sex marriage, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has affirmed that the declaration does not alter the Catholic Church’s teachings on marriage. The President of CBCN, Bishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, and the Secretary, Bishop Donatus Ogun, clarified the Church’s stance in a statement.
According to a report by Tribune, the Bishops highlighted that the Pope’s Declaration aims to elucidate the various forms of blessings that can be bestowed upon individuals and objects within the Catholic Church. This includes addressing the possibility of blessing individuals in irregular unions. The clarification comes in response to the Fiducia Supplicans released by the Vatican, which has generated confusion among Christians and the Catholic faithful.
The CBCN emphasized that the Pope’s statement does not signify a shift in the traditional teachings of the Catholic Church concerning marriage. The Bishops seek to provide clarity on the matter, addressing concerns and dispelling any misconceptions that may have arisen from the Vatican’s recent communication.
As the faithful grapple with the evolving discourse on marriage within the Catholic Church, the CBCN’s statement aims to offer guidance and assurance, reaffirming the Church’s commitment to its doctrinal principles despite external interpretations or speculations.
