Reverend Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, the President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, has reiterated the stance that Catholic priests cannot bless same-sex marriages or unions.
This affirmation follows reports about Pope Francis formally permitting Roman Catholic priests to bless same-sex unions, sparking various opinions on social media.
In a statement released on December 21st, Rev. Gyamfi clarified, “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 underscored that the document primarily focuses on providing pastoral care to individuals in same-sex relationships, offering them spiritual support and guidance.
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).
The statement also notes that, according to Rev. Gyamfi, “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.” Importantly, the declaration states that no one should be excluded from these pastoral blessings.
Rev. Gyamfi further highlighted, “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).”
- He concluded by noting that the declaration addresses the potential of blessing couples without officially altering the Church’s enduring teachings on marriage.
