Clare
The Bishop of Fort Portal Catholic Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Robert K. Muhiirwa Akiiki, has urged for a sense of calm among Christians who may be feeling uncertain about the recent statement from the Pope regarding the Catholic Church’s stance on blessing same-sex couples.
Addressing the media during a press conference held at his residence in Kijanju ward, Fort Portal City, as part of his Christmas message, Bishop Muhiirwa emphasized that the Pope’s statement in the “Fiducia supplicans”document should not be misconstrued as an endorsement of same-sex unions within the Catholic Church.
Instead, the Pope’s guidance directs priests to extend blessings to individuals with compassion, with the hope that this act of kindness may foster positive change.
The Bishop sought to clarify any potential confusion, assuring the faithful that the Church’s teachings on marriage remain unchanged.
In his message of reassurance, Muhiirwa highlighted the Church’s commitment to upholding its traditional teachings while embracing a spirit of compassion and inclusivity. He called upon the faithful to maintain unity and focus on the core values that bind the Catholic community together, especially during the festive season of Christmas.
This Monday marked a historic moment as the Vatican, under the approval of Pope Francis, announced a groundbreaking document. According to the decree, Roman Catholic Priests are now permitted to bestow blessings upon same-sex couples, as long as these blessings do not form a part of the routine church rituals or liturgies.
Our Editorial Director reflects on “Fiducia supplicans”, which opens the possibility of simple blessings for couples in irregular situations, and on the attitude of Jesus and the magisterium of Pope Francis.https://t.co/78uS31akv0
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) December 18, 2023
The document emphasizes the importance of priests refraining from hindering or restricting the church’s compassion towards individuals in diverse circumstances.
It further encourages the clergy to extend the church’s support to those seeking solace from God through a simple blessing, fostering an environment of inclusivity and understanding.