The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has issued a statement addressing Pope Francis’ recent decision allowing Roman Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples.
KCCB Chairman Archbishop Martin Kivuva Musonde highlighted the Vatican document, named Fiducia Supplicans, which announced the decision, emphasizing that it expands the scope of church blessings to include “simple blessings that are not given in a liturgical setting.”
Musonde explained, “The value of this document… offers a specific and innovative contribution to the pastoral meaning of blessings, permitting a broadening and enrichment of the classical understanding of blessings.”
He drew parallels with African culture, where parents can bless their children, and Christian parents can invoke God’s blessings on their children, independent of their conditions.
The Archbishop clarified that when the Church bestows blessings, it does not endorse any immoral behavior but aims to encourage personal transformation and a return to a righteous way of life, aligned with Church teachings and God’s principles.
He stressed, “No blessing can be understood outside the context of God’s will and the salvation and invitation to communion with God.”
Musonde underscored that the Church’s view of marriage as a sacrament between a man and a woman remains unaltered despite Pope Francis’ announcement.
He clarified that the document does not advocate for an alternative ‘union blessing’ to replace sacramental marriage but seeks to invite all individuals to God’s action and grace.
The KCCB Chair emphasized, “The Church seeks to reach out to all individuals to stir them to the path of conversion and salvation.”
He stated that the document acknowledges that anyone, regardless of their moral life or faith condition, is welcome to receive blessings from the Church or a Church minister.
This includes non-Catholics or non-Christians sincerely seeking God’s blessing with an attitude of truth and faith.
