“Regarding informal blessings for 'irregular couples', although it is a different sacrament from the liturgical blessing, we consider that, in our cultural and ecclesiastical context, they would create a huge scandal and confusion among the faithful, which is why we have determined that they should not be carried out in Angola and São Tomé”, they say in a statement.
The CEAST statement thus reacts to Pope Francis' recent suggestion to give blessings to same-sex couples, without transmitting "the wrong conception of marriage", also stating that priests cannot become judges.
According to CEAST, its position is supported by the 'Fiducia Supplicans' declaration, which they consider sufficient to guide the prudent and paternal discernment of ordained ministers” with regard to the blessings of same-sex couples, further arguing that “the document does not impose any uniform line.”
The bishops argue that the response given by the congregation to the doctrine of faith, on February 22, 2021, on the topic, is a prudent option, “as it guides us to accompany the faithful who live in these complex situations with pastoral charity and reminds that the church “does not and cannot bless sin”.
For the CEAST bishops, the most pressing issue in the pastoral context of Angola and São Tomé is access to the sacraments, “particularly the baptism of adults who, objectively, live in sin and who do not intend to amend or change their lives , as well as the godparents.”
“This document indicates the case of homosexuals and transsexuals. However, in our context we could also consider polygamists, people seriously involved in witchcraft, religious syncretism and violence”, highlights the document.
Pope Francis suggested there could be ways to bless same-sex unions, responding to five conservative cardinals who challenged him to affirm the Church's teachings on homosexuality before a large gathering where LGBTQ+ Catholics are on the agenda. .
The Vatican published on Monday a letter that Francis wrote to the cardinals on July 11, in which he suggested that blessings could be studied if they did not confuse the blessing with sacramental marriage.
