The kenyan clergy continue to vehemently oppose the Vatican’s move of directing the Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples who come forth before the church adding to more Priests opposing same-sex marriage.
This comes after several priests in kenya in statements and during mass proceedings issued opposing remarks saying that the move doesn’t incorporate Christianity doctrines and kenyan culture.
Nairobi Archbishop Philip Anyolo was on Saturday quoted to issue as statement that clearly defied the Pope’s directive to bless same-sex couples.
Also Read: Pope Francis Allows Priests To Bless Same-Sex Couples
“This Declaration confirms and reiterates the perennial teaching of the Church that marriage is to be affirmed as an “exclusive, stable and indissoluble union of a man and a woman, naturally open to the generation of children. The word of God also strongly condemns such unions. The African cultural traditions equally detest it as it is dearly against transmission of life.”
The Catholic Diocese of Homa Bay is the latest to take a firm stance on the issue of same-sex marriages. This was made clear by Bishop Michael Odiwa who adds to Priests Opposing Same-Sex marriage in a mass on Tuesday. He emphasized that the pulpit of the church is off-limits to individuals who engage in same-sex marriages, unless they express a desire to repent.
“As a church, we have established a unified position that we will not sanction marriages between individuals of the same sex in our church. It is inconceivable for a priest or a bishop to bless a union where a man wants to marry another man, or a woman wishes to marry another woman.”
Also Read: Nairobi Archbishop Defies Pope’s Order on Same-Sex Marriage
According to Bishop Odiwa, those practicing homosexuality are only eligible to receive blessings at the church’s altar if they decide to abandon what he referred to as “weird marriage.” and that the Catholic Church does not recognize or permit same-sex marriages
The priest said that the rule of the church is clear on the basic setting of marriage and who should share the sacrament of marriage and therefore should not in anyway be misinterpreted.
“I state here that the sacrament of marriage is between a man and a woman. Not people of the same sex. There is no time we will allow a liturgical rite or blessing about marriage that can cause confusion.”
Also Read: Christmas On The Road: Kenyans Forced To Spend Christmas In Traffic