Summary:
Archbishop Philip Anyolo of Nairobi makes a bold move by opposing a recent Vatican decision allowing the blessing of same-sex couples. Defying Pope Francis, Anyolo contends that the decision contradicts traditional Catholic doctrine on marriage, citing the Fiducia Supplicans declaration. Emphasizing the church’s stance rooted in scripture, tradition, and African cultural norms, Anyolo prohibits clergy in the Archdiocese of Nairobi from blessing irregular relationships, unions, or same-sex couples.
In a surprising departure from a recent Vatican directive, Nairobi’s Archbishop Philip Anyolo has taken a stand against the blessing of same-sex couples, a move that challenges the authority of Pope Francis. Anyolo’s opposition, communicated through a statement on Saturday, points to the contradiction between the decision and traditional Catholic beliefs on marriage and family.
According to the Fiducia Supplicans declaration, which Anyolo references, marriage is affirmed as an exclusive, stable, and indissoluble union between a man and a woman. The declaration explicitly states that the church lacks the power to impart blessings on same-sex unions. Anyolo asserts that these teachings are firmly grounded in scripture, tradition, and African cultural norms, deeming same-sex marriages as contrary to reason and nature.
Quoting biblical passages, Anyolo condemns same-sex unions, emphasizing that both the word of God and African cultural traditions vehemently oppose such relationships. He argues that the church’s teachings on marriage, as derived from scripture and tradition, prohibit full sacramental participation for those in irregular marriage situations. To enforce these doctrinal positions, Anyolo declares a prohibition on clergy from blessing irregular relationships, unions, or same-sex couples within the Archdiocese of Nairobi.
The Archbishop contends that blessing same-sex unions would be against God’s word, the teachings of the church, African cultural traditions, and the laws of the nation, deeming it scandalous to the faithful. This decisive stance comes in the wake of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) noting that the text broadens the scope of church blessings but emphasizing that such blessings do not endorse immoral behavior. KCCB Chairman Archbishop Martin Kivuva Musonde argues that the intention behind these blessings is to encourage personal transformation in line with church teachings and God’s principles, rather than approving immoral actions.