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Cleric condemns Catholic Pontiff for approving ‘blessings’ for same-sex couples

The recent permission granted to priests to pronounce blessings upon same-sex couples, thus marking a significant milestone for the LGBTOT community in the Roman Catholic Church has been condemned by a Nigerian cleric and General Overseer of New World Apostolic Miracle church, Rev. (Prophet) Elijah Effiong Eyo.

Elijah who is popularly known as Prophet Elijah Odudu 1 of Calabar South bared his mind while fielding question from newsmen on Wednesday December 20, 2023 at the church auditorium, No. 9 Musaha street, off Yellow Duke, Calabar South in Cross River State.

Referencing Genesis 2:24 “Therefore shall a man leave his father and mother and shall cleave unto his wife: and shall be one flesh,” queried why Pope Francis, should give such directives to priests to bless same-sex and “irregular couples” contrary to biblical doctrine. He harped on the negative impact of lesbianism and homo-sexual activities in the society and wondered where the couples would get children to continue their evil acts if normal couples do not produce children.

However, a caveat in the provision according to Vatican is that blessings should not be incorporated into routine church ceremonies or associated with civil unions or weddings.

The declaration signifies a shift in tone, albeit without altering its stance, the pope had in 2021 declared that priests are prohibited from bestowing blessing upon same-sex marriages, citing the belief that God cannot “Bless Sin”.

Within the Catholic Church, a blessing consists of a prayer or entreaty, typically recited by a minister, requesting that God provide favour to the individual and individuals receiving the Blessing, as Pope Francis had in October hinted that, he might be willing to see same-sex couples blessed by the church.

However, while the position of the church officials remained unclear, Bishops in several countries had previously permitted priests to bless same-sex and irregular marriages.

By: Archibong Emmanuel
(Snr. Reporter)