The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has come out to clarify the controversial decision by the Vatican to allow priests to bless same-sex unions, saying it only allowed ‘simple blessings’ outside the liturgical setting.
The Kenyan bishops said that the Vatican’s landmark approval aims to promote inclusion regardless of the moral status of congregants. They further said that the directive, sanctioned by Pope Francis, is part of the church’s efforts to broaden the range of pastoral blessings provided.
“This declaration does not in any way approve of “same-sex marriages” nor try to give back-door recognition of such a union. It does not seek an alternative “union blessing” to substitute a sacramental marriage,” said KCCB Chairperson Rev. Martin Kivuva.
Archbishop Kivuva further clarified that the decision does not alter the understanding of marriage as a sacrament in the Church, constituting an indissoluble union between a man and a woman for life.
“What this document seeks is to awaken the invitation of all people to God’s action and grace. The Church seeks to reach out to all individuals to stir them to the path of conversion and salvation,” he added.
Additionally, Kivuva stated that the document recognizes that anyone, irrespective of their “moral life or faith condition,” is welcome to receive blessings from the church or a church minister.
“The Church does not withhold a blessing from an individual who seeks it with an attitude of truth and faith. This blessing can be given even to non-Catholics or non-Christians who honestly wish to receive God’s blessing,” he added.
Kivuva further stated that in the African context, the church is very clear on what marriage and family are, noting that the social situation of same-sex marriages does not find acceptance in the African cultural setting.
“We encourage, especially, the understanding of blessings as a gesture of humble submission to God and His ways, while recognizing our sinfulness and need for conversion and salvation,” he said.
The bishop maintained that the role of the church is to gather the scattered, recover the lost, and redirect all sinners back to the fount of salvation and eternal life.
