Vatican's Blessing of Same-Sex Couples Sparks Controversy Among Africa's Catholics

Bishops Fear Declaration Could Slow Church's Rapid Expansion on the Continent

The Vatican's recent declaration allowing the blessing of same-sex couples has caused significant controversy among Africa's Catholics, with many bishops expressing fear and confusion.
Bishops in Africa fear the declaration could slow the expansion of the Catholic Church on the continent, which is currently growing faster than anywhere else in the world.
Bishop John Oballa of the Ngong Diocese near Nairobi has advised his priests to only bless same-sex couples seeking God's strength to stop living in same-sex unions.
Some African bishops have hinted at a potential split between the values of African nations and the West, where some clergy had been blessing same-sex unions against the Vatican's guidance.
The Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference has affirmed that all people, regardless of their sexual orientation, must be treated with the dignity they deserve as God's children.