African Catholic bishops have expressed their disagreement with the Vatican’s recent decision to permit blessings for same-sex couples. In a statement from the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), the bishops emphasized that the approval contradicted “the cultural ethos of African communities.” Homosexuality remains illegal in many conservative African countries, and the bishops argue that such blessings would cause confusion and go against the Church’s doctrine on Christian marriage and sexuality.
Since the Vatican’s announcement last month allowing priests to bless same-sex couples under certain circumstances, conservative bishops in Africa have voiced strong opposition. SECAM, representing Catholic bishops across the continent, contends that blessing homosexual unions would be inappropriate for Africa, citing cultural differences and the need to maintain the Church’s unchanged stance on Christian marriage and sexuality.
The Vatican later sought to clarify its position, emphasizing that the decision did not alter doctrine but encouraged “prudence” in certain countries. However, the resistance from African bishops persists, particularly in nations such as Malawi, Nigeria, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Opposition centers around concerns of confusion, scandal, and a perceived conflict with God’s law and cultural sensibilities.
