Priests are unable to bless same-sex unions – Catholic Bishops’ president insists

The President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Reverend Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, has reiterated that Catholic priests are not permitted to bless same-sex marriages or unions. This reaffirmation comes in response to the recent announcement by Pope Francis formally allowing Roman Catholic priests to bless same-sex unions, a decision that has sparked diverse opinions on social media.

In an interview on Eyewitness News on Citi FM, Rev Gyamfi clarified that Pope Francis did not instruct or authorize Catholic priests to bless marriages involving individuals of the same sex. In a statement released on December 21st, Rev. Gyamfi further explained that the Vatican’s document, “Fiducia Supplicans,” from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, does not grant permission for Catholic priests to bless same-sex marriages.

He emphasized that the document primarily focuses on the pastoral care of individuals in same-sex relationships, providing them with spiritual support and guidance. According to Rev Gyamfi, the declaration underscores that there are instances when people spontaneously seek a blessing (prayer) from priests, whether during pilgrimages, at shrines, or even on the street.

“The Declaration makes a distinction between liturgical (sacramental) blessings and pastoral blessings, which may be given to persons desiring God’s loving graces in their lives. The Declaration asserts that these pastoral blessings ‘are meant for everyone; no one is to be excluded from them’ (par. 28),” he stated.

He also pointed out that the declaration specifies that no one should be excluded from these pastoral blessings. Additionally, Rev Gyamfi highlighted that the document addresses the possibility of blessing couples in irregular situations and same-sex couples without officially validating their status or altering the Church’s longstanding teaching on marriage.