The Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) a monther body for all Catholics in Malawi, has rejected a call by Pope Francis allowing priests to bless same-sex couples.
On Monday, Pope Francis approved a document issued by the Vatican announcing a change in the church’s stance on marriage. The Vatican stated that the change should be interpreted as a sign that “God welcomes all”, although the document specifies that priests must make decisions on a case-by-case basis.
Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, the prefect of the Church, introduced the text and emphasized that the new declaration remains “firm on the traditional doctrine of the Church about marriage”.
However, ECM said blessings of any kind and for same sex unions of any kind have no room in Malawi.
“Having stated the above, and to avoid creating confusion among the faithful wu direct that for pastoral reasons, blessings of any kind and for same sex unions of any kind, are not permitted in Malawi.
“While we understand the legitimate interest and fears this Declaration has generated, we wish to assure all Catholics and all those interested in Catholic teaching that the teaching of the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church on Marriage remains the one indicated above, an exclusive, stable, and indissoluble union between a man and a woman, naturally open to the generation of children,” reads a statement signed by ECM President, Archbishop George Desmond Tambala and all other Bishops.
