The Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference has clarified that Roman Catholic priests in Ghana are not permitted to bless same-sex marriages.
This is contrary to widespread misconceptions arising from the publication of the document “Fiducia Supplicans” by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith on December 18, 2023.
In a statement issued on Thursday 21st December, the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference emphasized that the document does not grant permission for Catholic priests to bless same-sex marriages.
The statement highlighted key excerpts from the declaration, stating, “This Declaration remains firm on the traditional doctrine of the Church about marriage, not allowing any type of liturgical rite or blessing similar to a liturgical rite that can create confusion.”
Furthermore, the declaration defines marriage as the “exclusive, stable, and indissoluble union between a man and a woman, naturally open to the generation of children.”
It underscores that sexual relations find their natural, proper, and fully human meaning only within the context of marriage.
The statement clarified that the blessing mentioned in the declaration is about prayers that people may request, but it is not intended to legitimize the way of life for those in same-sex relationships.
Instead, the prayers are meant to lead individuals in such relationships on the path of conversion.
The Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference reiterated, “We wish to reiterate that priests cannot bless same-sex unions or marriages.”
The clarification aims to dispel any confusion and provide a clear understanding of the Roman Catholic Church’s stance on same-sex marriages in Ghana.