Moses Kuria stands firm: Kenya rejects LGBTQ unions despite Pope’s directive

National NewsNews

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has lauded the Catholic Archbishop of Nairobi, Philip Anyolo, for defying Pope Francis’s directive allowing clergy to bless same-sex couples.

Moses Kuria praises Archbishop Anyolo. In a statement on Monday, December 25, Kuria said the position taken by the Nairobi Archbishop represents the position of all members of the Kenyan Catholic Church.

Nairobi Archbishop Philip Anyolo defies Pope, bans blessing of same-sex couples. Photo: Star
Nairobi Archbishop Philip Anyolo defies Pope, bans blessing of same-sex couples. Photo: Star

According to Kuria, Kenya will never allow LGBTQ unions, despite the strong respect the country has for the Pope. “The decision by Archbishop Anyolo on the blessing of same-sex couples is the position of all of us from the Roman Catholic Church in Kenya.

We will never accept same-sex couples in the Kenyan Church, with utmost and most profound respect and reverence for the Pope” Kuria said.

As reported earlier, the Pope, who is the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, said that priests should be permitted to bless same-sex couples and irregular couples under certain circumstances.

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Why Archbishop Anyolo defied Pope Francis The Vatican, through a document on December 19, said it should be a sign that “God welcomes all” but maintained priests should decide on a case-by-case basis.

However, according to a statement sent to parishioners, Anyolo said such an activity would be scandalous to the faith.

Pope Francis hints at blessings same sex couples as Moses Kuria stands firm that we will never accept to bless same sex couples. Photo: Reuters
Pope Francis hints at blessings same sex couples as Moses Kuria stands firm that we will never accept to bless same sex couples. Photo: Reuters

Daily Nation reported that Anyolo clarified that the directive by Pope Francis goes against African cultural traditions, the word of God, the laws of Kenya, and the teachings of the church.

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To make sure the fundamental doctrinal positions affirmed in the declaration and the perennial teachings of the church on marriage are upheld, all clergy residing and ministering in the Nairobi Archdiocese are prohibited from blessing irregular relationships, unions, or same-sex couples,” he said in a letter to parishioners.

ALSO READ: Nigeria: Court jails dozens over alleged gay wedding

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