The Catholic Bishop of Port Harcourt, Most Rev. Camillus Etukudoh, has said the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), will not change its stance against the blessing of same-sex marriage.
He told Catholic faithful in the country not to be troubled, with an assurance that the Church’s teachings on marriage remains the same.
Etukudoh spoke yesterday in his 2023 Christmas message to priests and laity of the Catholic Diocese of Port Harcourt, a copy of which was obtained by LEADERSHIP.
The bishop said: “In the past few days, the media has been inundated with sensational social media news dealing with the new declaration released in Rome by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith dealing with the ‘pastoral meaning of blessings; specifically on the blessing of Catholics in irregular unions or same-sex couples,’ titled: ‘Fiducia Supplicans.’
“The panic and confusion going around by Catholics and non-Catholics alike is that by this declaration, the Catholic Church has endorsed the blessing of same-sex union and activities and many have asked the Pope to revoke the declaration.
“In union with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), I ask you not to be troubled but to be re-assured that the teachings of the Catholic Church on marriage remains the same.
“Marriage is a sacred union between a mature man and woman, with full consent and within the levels divinely approved by God, nature, society, and the Church.”
The Christmas message, which was titled: “Do Not Be Afraid”, encouraged Catholic faithful to go about the festivities without fear as the entire world, including Nigeria and Rivers State were under God’s gaze.
He said: “I encourage you to go about your Christmas celebrations with joy and do not be afraid, because the world, including our country and our dear Rivers State is under God’s gaze.
“I invite you therefore, to this season of joy, healing, and hope this Christmas; not because we have no difficulties to face in the days ahead, but because God has come down to earth to encounter each one of us and to embrace us as His beloved sons and daughters.
“As you celebrate Christmas this year, hopefully with your family and friends, may you experience God’s promise in the birth of Jesus. May you be blessed as you enjoy the gifts of this time, for God has sent his son, born among us and for us –God-with-us.”
