We will not bless your union if you are homosexual, Catholic bishop says

Western
By Robert Amalemba | Dec 23, 2023
Bishop Joseph Obanyi Sagwe acknowledges greetings of his worshipers during ordination to the sacred orders to diaconate at Kakamega St. Joseph Catholic Diocese on December 22, 2023. [Benjamin Sakwa, Standard]

The Catholic Church in Kakamega will not bless any same-sex marriages, Bishop Joseph Obanyi has warned.

Bishop Obanyi said "We will chase away" people from the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) community who seek blessings from priests in churches in Kakamega diocese.

"Anyone who comes to me or any other priest and is gay with the intention that we join them in marriage or even bless their union will be chased away. We stick to what we have been teaching from time immemorial about marriage being between opposite sex," he said.

'Not on my watch', President Ruto declares stand on same-sex relations

The Vatican's Dicastery for the Doctrine of Faith issued a declaration titled Fiducia Supplicans, on December 18, 2023, which authorizes non-liturgical blessings of "same-sex couples" and other couples in "irregular situations."

However, Bishop Obanyi warned the LGBTQ groups from riding on the Papal communication issued on Monday as an endorsement of the outlawed act of homosexuality among Catholics in Kenya.

"Pro LGBTQ+ groups are reading the document upside down. They should read it correctly as it does not endorse same-sex marriage as they are interpreting it," he said.

The Fiducia Supplicans says blessings to gays can be offered during a visit to a Catholic shrine in a meeting with a priest, a group prayer or during a pilgrimage.

Share this story
Thunder plot Equity Bank raid as Premier League tips off
The bankers will take on ANU Wolfpacks in their second encounter on Sunday.
Future Boxing Championships offer Kenyan boxers lessons
What it means for Kenyan teams’ participation in the inaugural Future’s Boxing Championships in Thailand.
Why Faith Kipyegon is making waves after winning 10km debut
Kipyegon, who is nicknamed the smiling assassin, is following in the footsteps of her training mates, among them two-time Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge.
Recall times of Shikanda, Stars' diminutive defender
On May 26, 2007, Kenya, then coached by Jacob Ghost Mulee, played Nigeria in an international friendly match at Kasarani.
Kenya Army, KPA and Equity win as league second leg gets underway
Kenya Army launched their 2025-2026 KVF Men’s National League campaign with a 3-1 win against the NYS, as the second leg served off yesterday at Kasarani Indoor Arena.
.
RECOMMENDED NEWS