The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference President, Reverend Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, has reaffirmed the position that same-sex unions and marriages are not sanctioned by Catholic priests.
This declaration comes after reports that Pope Francis has officially allowed Roman Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples, which sparked a range of reactions on social media.
In a December 21st statement, Rev. Gyamfi elaborated, “The document from the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, ‘Fiducia Supplicans,’ does not authorize Catholic priests to bless same-sex marriages.” He emphasized that the document’s primary goal is to offer pastoral care—that is, spiritual support and guidance—to people who are in same-sex relationships.
He further explained, “The Declaration makes a distinction between liturgical (sacramental) blessings and pastoral blessings which may be given to persons who desire God’s loving graces in their lives.” Rev. Gyamfi emphasized that the declaration specifies, “These pastoral blessings are meant for everyone; no one is to be excluded from them” (par. 28).
Additionally, the statement states that Rev. Gyamfi claims, “The Declaration deals with the possibility of blessing couples in irregular situations and same-sex couples without officially validating their status or changing in any way the Church’s perennial teaching on marriage.” The declaration makes a crucial statement: nobody should be denied access to these pastoral blessings.
“The ordained minister could ask that the individuals have peace, health, a spirit of patience, dialogue, and mutual assistance—but also God’s light and strength to be able to fulfill his will completely (par. 38),” Rev. Gyamfi went on to emphasize.
In closing, he pointed out that the declaration discusses the possibility of blessing couples without formally changing the Church’s timeless teachings regarding marriage.
