10 Episcopal Conferences In Africa Respond To Fiducia Supplicans

*SUMMARY OF THE RESPONSES OF TEN BISHOPS CONFERENCES IN AFRICA TO THE DOCUMENT "FIDUCIA SUPPLICANS"*

1. *Cameroun*. 

Faithful to the constant teaching of Ecclesial Tradition which declares acts of homosexuality intrinsically disordered and contrary to the natural law (Catechism of the Catholic Church n. 2357), we, the Bishops of Cameroon, reiterate our disapproval of homosexuality and homosexual unions.

Consequently, we formally forbid all blessings of"homosexual couples" in the Church of Cameroon. (Nos. 7&8)

2. *Malawi*

We direct that for pastoral reasons, blessings of any kind and for same sex unions of any kind, are not permitted in Malawi

3. *Zambia*

"To avoid any pastoral confusion and ambiguity as well as not to break the law of our country which forbids same-sex unions and activities, and while listening to our cultural heritage which does not accept same-sex relationships. The guidelines in Fiducia Supplicans are for further reflection and not for implementation in Zambia.”

4. *Nigeria*

There is no possibility in the Church of blessing same-sex unions and activities,” permitting such blessings would go against God's law, the teachings of the Church, the laws of our nation and the cultural sensibilities of our people

5. *Burkina Faso & Niger*

Catholic doctrine on marriage does not change, and the Church does not approve of irregular or same-sex unions.”

6. *Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops*

The document does not in any way approve of ‘Same-sex Marriages’ nor try to give a back-door recognition of such a union. It does not seek an alternative ‘union blessing’ to substitute a Sacramental marriage.”

“This Document does not change in any way the understanding of Marriage as a Sacrament in the Church, an indissoluble union between a man and a woman, for life". 

7. *Catholic Bishops of South Africa, Botswana, and Eswatini* “The suggestions offered by the declaration may be taken as a guide with prudence, we will guide further on how such a blessing may be requested and granted to avoid the confusion the document warns against. 

8. *Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference*

"This Declaration does not give Catholic priests the permission to bless same-sex marriages.” The document defines marriage as an “exclusive, stable, and indissoluble union between a man and a woman, naturally open to the generation of children.

9.*Zimbabwe*

In respect of the law of the land, our culture and for moral reasons we instruct pastors to desist from actions that may be deemed as the blessing of same sex unions bringing confusion and even scandal to our people

10. *Uganda*

The blessing which the Declaration says could be given to everyone refers to prayers that people may request for. For those in the state of sin, the prayers are meant to lead them to conversion. Therefore, the prayers for persons in same-sex relationships are not intended to legitimize their way of life, but to lead them on the path of conversion”

*SECAM*

Cardinal Ambongo of Congo, President of Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa & Madagascar (SECAM)

'The ambiguity of this declaration—which lends itself to many interpretations & manipulations—is causing much perplexity among the faithful & I believe that...we need to speak out clearly on this issue in order to give clear guidance to our Christians.'

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No one who knows Africa well will be surprised why the issue is a blazing one in the continent. Africa is home to 265 million Catholics, or nearly a quarter of the world's 1.3 billion Catholics. Many of those Catholics live and their churches operate in societies where homosexuality is condemned and outlawed. Out of the continent’s 54 countries, 31 have laws criminalizing homosexuality, more than any other continent in the world. 

Thanks for reading

*Fr. Okhueleigbe Osemhantie*