African bishops on Thursday rejected Pope Francis' new guidance on blessing same-sex unions, saying in a letter they affirmed communion with Francis but believed LGBT relationships were contrary to church teaching and the Bible. He said there was.
Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, President of the Symposium of the Episcopal Conferences on Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), signed the five-page document. letter Representing the bishops of Africa.
“We, the Bishops of Africa, do not believe it is appropriate for Africa to bless same-sex unions or same-sex couples, because in our context this would cause confusion and violate the cultural ethos of African communities. ,” the letter states. He said.
The text of Pope Francis' December statement allows for the blessing of same-sex couples, but describes such relationships as “irregular” and defines marriage as the union of one man and one woman. It reiterates the Vatican's position that the The statement said “blessings are given” to “couples in irregular circumstances” and “same-sex couples,” as long as the blessings are “not given in parallel with the ceremony” of marriage or “made in dress or gesture.” There is. , or words appropriate for a wedding. ”
The African Bishops’ Conference (SECAM), led by Cardinal Ambongo, rejects the decision. #Fiducia Supplicans, said that there is “no blessing for homosexual couples in Africa” because such unions are “against the will of God” and homosexual acts are “intrinsically disordered and contrary to natural law.” (1/2)👇 pic.twitter.com/0hx9M6meDj
— Diane Montagna (@dianemontagna) January 11, 2024
Cardinal Ambongo's letter said Pope Francis' guidance is “too subtle to be understood by the simple-minded.” The cardinal's letter said Francis' guidance “caused shock” and “instilled misunderstanding and anxiety in the hearts of many faithful, consecrated people and even pastors, and provoked strong reactions.”
“The African Bishops’ Conference emphasizes that people with homosexual tendencies should be treated with respect and dignity, while also reminding us that same-sex unions are contrary to the will of God and therefore cannot enjoy the blessings of the Church. We should remind you,” the letter said.
catholic news agency report The letter marks what Pope Francis called “the first continent-wide example of the Church rejecting a proposed same-sex blessing.”
The cardinal's letter cited church teachings and the Bible.
“The Church's constant teaching is that homosexual acts are 'intrinsically disordered' and contrary to natural law,” Cardinal Ambongo wrote.
The cardinal's letter concluded that Jesus wants people to turn away from sin.
“After showing such kindness to a woman caught in the act of adultery, [Jesus] He said to her, “Go and sin no more” (John 8:11). As the salt of the earth and the light of the world (cf. Matt. 5:13-14), the church's compassionate mission is to go against the spiritual currents of the world (cf. Romans 12:2) and offer the best to the world, even if it is difficult. ”
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Michael Faust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His story was published in Baptist Press. Christianity Today, Christian Poecent, of leaf chronicle, of toronto star and of knoxville news sentinel.
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