Nigerian Catholic same-sex couples are not hopeful about receiving blessings from their local parish churches anytime soon, as conservative priests in Africa continue to ignore a recent Vatican ruling allowing such blessings. The Vatican’s declaration, which was approved by Pope Francis, permits blessings for same-sex couples as long as they are not incorporated into regular Church rituals or liturgies. However, conservative Catholics in Africa have condemned the ruling due to legal restrictions and societal disapproval of same-sex relationships.
In Nigeria, where same-sex relationships are outlawed and carry severe penalties, couples like Jane and Lucy are skeptical of any significant change occurring in their favor. Jane, who has been with her partner for six years, expressed doubt that bishops would be willing to accept same-sex unions in the near future, given the current cultural and legal climate. This sentiment is shared by many same-sex couples across African countries, including Angola, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Sao Tome and Principe, Uganda, and Zimbabwe, where Catholic bishops have publicly announced their unwillingness to bless same-sex couples.
Father Patrick Alumunku of St Louis Catholic Church Mbora parish in Abuja acknowledged that the Vatican’s declaration unsettled many followers but emphasized that it should be seen as a step toward inclusiveness for all of God’s children. He denied the notion that it was a gradual progression toward accepting same-sex unions within the church, stating that laws established by God and the church over 2000 years cannot be altered.
Despite the resistance, some same-sex couples have expressed a glimmer of hope. They believe that the open discussion of the issue is a positive development and may eventually lead to greater acceptance within the church. Jane, an activist and poultry farmer, indicated that she would consider approaching her priest for a blessing if her partner agrees. She commended Pope Francis for seemingly understanding the struggles faced by marginalized individuals and expressed optimism for a future of self-expression and acceptance.
While the Catholic Church, in an attempt to avoid conflict, has not explicitly condemned or prohibited the blessings of same-sex unions, many conservative priests in Africa interpret the papal decree as optional and have chosen not to comply. The issue of same-sex unions has also caused division within the Anglican Church, with Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby proposing earlier this year to allow priests to bless such unions, further straining the faith’s cohesion.
In conclusion, despite the Vatican’s recent ruling allowing blessings for same-sex couples, conservative priests in Nigeria and much of Africa continue to resist the idea. Legal and cultural restrictions, combined with deep-rooted opposition within the Catholic Church, make it unlikely that same-sex couples will receive blessings in the foreseeable future. However, some couples remain hopeful that the ongoing dialogue surrounding the issue will eventually lead to greater acceptance within the church.
