Mozambican bishops decide not to bless same-sex unions

The Catholic bishops of Mozambique announced this Friday that they have decided that “no blessing should be given” to “irregular and same-sex unions”, despite a contrary decision announced by the Vatican.

“We bishops have decided that there will be no blessing in Mozambique for irregular unions and same-sex unions. That the model of the Family Church of God continues to be what inspires our existence as a Church in Mozambique and that Mary, Queen of the Family, guide and protect our families,” reads a statement released by the Episcopal Conference of Mozambique (CEM).

On December 18, the Vatican officially sanctioned the blessing of same-sex couples “in a situation unusual for the Church,” while maintaining its opposition to gay marriage.

For the first time, the Church has made a clear statement about blessing same-sex couples, an issue that has generated tension within the organization due to strong opposition from the conservative sector, especially in the United States.

This blessing “will not be performed simultaneously with, or even in connection with, the civil rites of union,” states a document from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, an organ of the Holy See approved by Pope Francis.

“The document, while presenting the richness and variety of content indicated by the term “blessing,” authorizes an ordained minister to bless irregular or same-sex couples, a fact that raises questions among our Christian communities and beyond. and anxiety,” admits CEM.

“The teaching on marriage and the family remains unchanged, since the blessing mentioned in the Declaration has nothing to do with the liturgy and the celebration of the sacrament of marriage, and the celebration of this sacrament cannot in any way be replaced by a blessing, as is the practice in some non-Catholic churches,” the bishops add in the same statement.

They argue, however, that people living in “a situation of irregular union should not be separated from the Christian community, but they should be helped, like all believers, to adjust their lives to the will of God through the closeness of the consoling Church.” cares and inspires courage.”

“Declaration [do Vaticano] states that the blessing presented as possible to an irregular or same-sex union is not intended to legitimize these unions. However, in the minds of many believers and in common language, the term “blessing” means the same thing as legitimizing that which is blessed. CEM therefore calls on all ordained ministers to show closeness and support to those living in irregular unions,” the statement concludes.

Despite the lack of recognition from the Holy See, blessings of same-sex couples were already practiced by some priests, especially in Belgium and Germany.

The announcement came six weeks after the end of the general assembly of the Synod for the Future of the Catholic Church, a global consultative meeting during which bishops, women and laity discussed social issues such as welcoming LGBT+ people or divorced marriages.

In early October, five conservative cardinals publicly demanded that Pope Francis reaffirm Catholic doctrine on same-sex couples, but the final document of the Synod left this issue aside.

In 2021, the Vatican reaffirmed that it considers homosexuality a “sin” and affirmed that same-sex couples cannot perform holy matrimony.

Since his election in 2013, Francis has insisted on the importance of a church “open to all” and has taken a series of measures that have angered conservatives.