Senegal’s Catholic bishops have taken a firm stand against blessing same-sex marriage, following the recent approval by the Vatican allowing such blessings in specific contexts. Last month, the Catholic Church announced that priests could bless “irregular” and same-sex couples, excluding contexts related to civil unions or weddings.
The declaration, endorsed by Pope Francis and published by the Vatican’s faith department, did not alter the Church’s stance on same-sex marriages or unions. However, it triggered an outcry among conservative Catholics, particularly in Africa, where it was perceived as a backtrack on the Church’s opposition to gay marriage and homosexuality.
In response, Senegal’s Catholic bishops released a statement on Thursday, asserting, “In our dioceses, no form of liturgical or extra-liturgical blessings may be administered to two people of the same sex who expressly request them as ‘same-sex couples’.”
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They emphasized the Church’s view that moral deviations, including homosexuality, are considered an abomination against God’s will.
While the statement acknowledged the Church’s concern for every individual, regardless of their choices and orientation, it aligned with Senegal’s legal stance on homosexuality. Senegalese law deems gay sex “against nature,” punishable by imprisonment of up to five years.
The coexistence of the Catholic community and the Muslim majority in Senegal is marked by peaceful relations, despite societal beliefs that being gay is a Western imposition.
The Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), representing the continent’s Catholic bishops, stated earlier in January that it was inappropriate for Africa to bless homosexual unions or same-sex marriage. SECAM argued that such blessings would create confusion and contradict the cultural ethos of African communities.
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Approximately 30 African countries currently criminalize homosexuality, with severe penalties for same-sex relations, according to the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA).
In response to the controversy, the Vatican sought to clarify the December document in January, asserting that it remained in line with doctrine while urging “prudence” in certain countries. The tension highlights the ongoing dialogue within the Catholic Church on issues related to LGBTQ+ rights and cultural diversity.
