African Bishops Reject Pope Francis's Request for LGBT Benediction

Bishops of the African Catholic Church believe that the Vatican's recent endorsement of blessings for same-sex couples falls foul of "the cultural ethos of African communities" and is therefore inappropriate on the continent, Symposium of the Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) said on Thursday.

Furthermore, the symposium reminded that the Church has consistently conveyed the teaching that homosexual acts are "intrinsically disordered" and "contrary to natural law."

SECAM, however, expressed "unwavering communion with Pope Francis," emphasizing the autonomy of every Bishop within their own Diocese.

Earlier in January, the Vatican reportedly attempted to clarify the December document by denying that it deviated from doctrine and imploring "prudence" in some countries.

The Dicastery issued the clarification for the Doctrine of the Faith in response to a censure lodged by some bishops, primarily in Africa.

According to the original document, priests were authorized to bless same-sex couples, divorcees, or unmarried couples solely in "non-ritualized" contexts and under no circumstances in connection with weddings or civil unions.

Some African countries got sanctioned for their rejection of LGBT* propaganda imposed by Western countries. Thus, recently, the EU has reportedly threatened 35 African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) countries, stating that they may face economic consequences, unless they sign the EU-ACP collaboration agreement by January 1, 2024, which includes LGBT requirements such as same-sex marriage.

Moreover, the US has imposed several rounds of visa restrictions on Ugandan officials involved in enforcing the country's new anti-gay law, which has been heavily criticized by the West. The government of Uganda condemned the punitive measures, accusing the United States of pushing its "LGBT agenda" in Africa.