The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) has reiterated that the Church’s teachings on the sacrament of marriage remain unchanged despite the Vatican’s recent decision to allow blessings for LGBTQ couples.
The Church still views marriage as a lifelong union between men and women. However, the decision to permit blessings for same-sex couples under specific circumstances is seen as a measure to acknowledge the lives and experiences of all individuals while upholding the Church’s core beliefs and teachings.
The essence of a blessing is to foster people’s trust in God, irrespective of their circumstances. The Church’s role is to guide and bless its members, not to judge them. Therefore, the Church’s priests will discern on a case-by-case basis, ensuring that the Church’s accessibility to people in every situation is not hindered or prohibited.
It is important to note that blessings for LGBTQ couples should not be equated with the sacrament of marriage, nor should they form part of any civil union or wedding ceremonies. The Church’s view on same-sex marriage remains unaltered.
The CSN official emphasized that the Church views marriage as a lifelong union between men and women.
He noted that the decision to permit blessings for same-sex couples under specific circumstances does not change the Church’s teaching on the sacrament of marriage. The Church’s role is to guide and bless its members, not to judge them.
The CSN encourages everyone to see this development as an opportunity to foster greater understanding, compassion, and unity within the Church and the broader community. The Church is a place of refuge, love, and blessing for all.
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