Zambia Catholic Bishops Rejects Pope Francis’s Plea On Gay Marriages

CATHOLIC Bishops in Zambia say the blessing of same sex couples should not be implemented in Zambia but rather taken for further reflection.

In a pastoral letter issued by the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB), the 12 bishops have guided that the declaration of the blessing of the same marriages is not and should not be understood as an endorsement of same sex unions.

The Bishop said the move should be a rather reflective response to numerous questions about the possibility of imparting a blessing on same-sex couples.

The Conference reaffirms the traditional teaching of the Church that declares “homosexual acts to be intrinsically disordered and contrary to natural law, hence under no circumstances can they be approved in Zambia.

“In order to avoid any pastoral confusion and ambiguity as well as not to break the law of our country which forbids same sex unions and activities, and while listening to our cultural heritage which does not accept same sex relationships, the Conference guides that the Declaration from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith of December 18 2023 concerning the blessing of same sex couples be taken as for further reflection and not for implementation in Zambia,” reads the pastoral letter.

The Bishops have further invited all those involved in same-sex unions to embark on the path of conversion with greater trust in God’s mercy and love; God whose “eyes are drawn to the person of humbled and contrite spirit”.

This follows the decision by Pope Francis to formally approve allowing priests to bless same-sex couples, while reaffirming that marriage is between a man and a woman.

A new document explains a radical change in Vatican policy, insisting worshippers seeking God’s love and mercy should not be subject to ‘an exhaustive moral analysis’ to receive it.

The document from the Vatican’s doctrine office, released, elaborates on a letter Pope Francis sent to two conservative cardinals published in October.

In that preliminary response, the Pope suggested such blessings could be offered under certain circumstances if they did not confuse the ritual with the sacrament of marriage.

The new document repeats that rationale and elaborates on it, reaffirming that marriage is a lifelong sacrament between a man and a woman.