In a united front against the recent Vatican proposal to bless same-sex couples, Catholic Bishops across Africa, organized under the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), have firmly expressed their reluctance to extend such blessings in the African context.
Established in 1969, SECAM facilitates collaboration among African bishops to manage religious work and promote the Catholic Church's participation in education, spirituality, and family matters at the Pan-African level.
In a letter issued by Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, the President of SECAM, the bishops articulated their shared stance, emphasizing their preference not to bless same-sex unions. The letter, released on January 11, reaffirms the Church's unchanged doctrine on Christian marriage and sexuality.
Cardinal Ambongo clarified that the letter represents the collective opinion of all African bishops, responding to a call he issued on December 20, just two days after the controversial publication of the document "Fiducia Supplicans," which introduces the possibility of blessing couples in "irregular" situations, including same-sex couples.
While the Vatican's Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith issued a clarification on January 4, urging a comprehensive reading of the document, African bishops argue that the language in "Fiducia Supplicans" remains too subtle and challenging for simple understanding.
Cardinal Ambongo highlighted the importance of treating individuals with a homosexual tendency with respect and dignity, yet firmly reiterated that same-sex unions cannot receive the Church's blessing. According to him, such unions are contrary to the will of God and the cultural ethos of African communities.
The African bishops' letter coincides with numerous individual statements from bishops across the continent, including Archbishop Grace Dr. Paul Ssemogerere of Kampala, who emphasized the unwavering stance of the Catholic Church on defining marriage as the union between one man and one woman.
Archbishop Ssemogerere reiterated the Church's prohibition of alternative unions, aligning with the consistent teaching that regards homosexual acts as "intrinsically disordered" and "contrary to natural law."
As the controversy over the Vatican's proposal continues to unfold, African bishops stand firm, emphasizing their commitment to the traditional principles and teachings governing marriage within the Catholic Church.
