Tag

African Bishops

All articles tagged with #african bishops

religion-lgbtq-rights1 year ago

"Pope Francis Defends LGBTQ Blessings Against Critics"

Pope Francis strongly defends his decision to allow priests to bless same-sex couples, denouncing the "hypocrisy" of those who criticize LGBTQ blessings while overlooking other grave sins. The move has faced significant resistance, particularly from African bishops, who have effectively rejected the Vatican's authorization. Francis, known for promoting a more welcoming and less judgmental Catholic Church, has emphasized that blessings do not amount to formal Church approval for same-sex unions and hopes critics will eventually understand them, while acknowledging the special opposition to homosexuality in Africa.

religion1 year ago

"Pope Francis' Controversial Stance on LGBT Blessings Sparks Debate in Africa"

Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo of Kinshasa criticized the timing of the Vatican document Fiducia Supplicans, which authorized non-liturgical blessings for same-sex couples, saying it discredited the synodal process convened by Pope Francis. He argued that the document's release between the two Synods of Bishops on Synodality created the misleading notion that it was the fruit of synodal discussions. African bishops, led by Ambongo, have rejected the idea of offering blessings to same-sex couples, emphasizing that it goes against African culture and the fundamental teachings of the Catholic faith. Pope Francis has expressed trust that everyone will be reassured by the spirit of the declaration, while acknowledging Africa's unique cultural perspective on homosexuality. During a joint meeting with European bishops, African prelates emphasized the inclusion of women and youth in the synodal process.

religion-lgbtq-rights1 year ago

"Pope Francis' Remarks on LGBTQ Blessings in Africa Spark Controversy"

Pope Francis stated that African opposition to homosexuality is a "special case" and expressed confidence that critics of his decision to allow blessings for same-sex couples, except for Africans, would eventually understand it. He acknowledged the strong resistance from African bishops and emphasized the need for sensitivity and context when giving blessings. The pope also addressed the possibility of meeting the president of Argentina and his health concerns, while reiterating the importance of a two-state solution for peace between Israel and the Palestinians.

religion1 year ago

"Pope Francis' Remarks on Same-Sex Blessings in Africa Spark Controversy"

Pope Francis addressed criticism from African bishops over his approval of nonliturgical blessings for same-sex couples, stating that the pushback from Africa was influenced by cultural views on homosexuality. The African bishops argued that such blessings would contradict cultural norms and the natural law regarding marriage and family in their communities. While some African bishops and those in central Asia called for a reversal of the pope's directive, bishops across Europe, including in France, Austria, and Germany, have expressed support for the Vatican's guidelines on same-sex blessings.

religion2 years ago

"African Catholic Bishops Reject Blessing Same-Sex Unions"

The bishops of Africa have issued a united statement rejecting the Vatican's new guidelines permitting nonliturgical pastoral blessings of homosexual couples, stating that there will be "no blessing for homosexual couples in the African churches." They emphasized that the Church's doctrine on Christian marriage and sexuality remains unchanged and cited biblical and cultural reasons for their stance, while also affirming respect and dignity for individuals with homosexual tendencies. The African bishops' letter received the agreement of Pope Francis and the Vatican's prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, and they called on Christian communities not to be shaken by the confusion following the release of the Vatican's declaration.

religion2 years ago

"African Catholic Church Stands Firm Against Same-Sex Blessings"

African Church reaffirms its communion with Pope Francis but rejects the blessing of same-sex couples, citing potential scandal and confusion. Cardinal Ambongo, president of SECAM, states that the Church's doctrine on Christian marriage and sexuality remains unchanged, emphasizing the cultural ethos of African communities. The Church in Africa commits to continuing pastoral assistance to all its members, while maintaining that unions of persons of the same sex are contrary to the will of God and cannot receive the blessing of the Church.