CBNC Stands Firm Against Blessing Same-Sex Couples 

The Catholic Bishops of Nigerian Conference (CBNC) have reaffirmed the Church’s teachings on marriage and its opposition to the idea of blessing same-sex couples in Nigeria.

Citing the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Code of Canon Law, the CBCN reiterated in a communiqué released following their First Plenary Meeting that the Sacrament of Marriage is a union between one man and one woman.

“Synodality and the state of the nation” is the theme of the first plenary meeting, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). The interpretations of the “Fiducia Supplicans” declaration that suggested priests could bless same-sex couples were rejected by the bishops.

They also rejected other irregular unions, including those of polygamists, divorcees, and remarried people, in a manner that legitimized such unions. The bishops emphasized their fidelity to the Pope’s and Christ’s teachings, saying that Nigerian priests are not to bless same-sex couples.

“The CBCN’s stance reflects the Church’s longstanding position on marriage and sexual ethics, emphasising the sanctity of traditional marriage and the rejection of practices contrary to natural law.

“The issue of blessing same-sex couples has generated a lot of controversies. Many Episcopal Conferences have taken their position on this matter.

“We re-affirm the age long teaching of the Church on the Sacrament of Marriage as a union between one man and one-woman,” the communique read.

It continued: “We reject the reading of the Declaration that suggests that Priests could bless same-sex couples or other couples in irregular situations.

“We, the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria affirm our loyalty to the teaching of Christ and the Holy Father the Pope.

“We reiterate that Priests are not to bless same-sex couples in Nigeria.

“Homosexual acts are acts of grave depravity which are intrinsically disordered and, above all, contrary to natural law”.

In the face of growing economic hardship and insecurity, the bishops of Nigeria expressed their solidarity with their countrymen and urged the government to put citizen safety and property protection first.

They emphasized the importance of social responsibility and unity while affirming that synodality—a fundamental feature of the church—places a strong emphasis on group decision-making and active engagement. In order to boost the economy, they also suggested expanding agriculture and establishing the State Police.

The bishops urged a genuine change of heart and emphasized the significance of repentance in order to combat corruption and advance good governance.

Particularly during the Lenten season, they conveyed hope for a better future and urged all Nigerians to cooperate for the benefit of all.