We’ll not allow same-sex marriage, says Homa Bay clergy
The Catholic Diocese of Homa Bay, under the guidance of Bishop Michael Odiwa, has adopted a strong position regarding the matter of same-sex unions.
On Tuesday, the Bishop highlighted that individuals involved in same-sex marriages are not permitted to use the church’s pulpit unless they show a willingness to repent.
As per Bishop Odiwa’s perspective, individuals engaged in homosexuality can receive blessings at the church’s altar only if they choose to forsake what he described as an unconventional form of marriage.
Bishop Odiwa restated that the Catholic Church does not acknowledge or authorize marriages between individuals of the same sex.
He stated, “As a church, we have established a unified position that we will not sanction marriages between individuals of the same sex in our church. It is inconceivable for a priest or a bishop to bless a union where a man wants to marry another man, or a woman wishes to marry another woman.”
This statement shows the Diocese’s commitment to upholding traditional Catholic principles concerning marriage.
Addressing the congregation during a sacred ceremony at St. Peter Oyugis Catholic Church in Kasipul constituency, Odiwa affirmed that the church views unions between individuals of the same gender as morally wrong.
He stated that the church could permit blessings for same-sex marriage practitioners within the church, but solely under the condition that they seek repentance.
The clergyman stressed that the church acts as a sanctifying body for people who have recognized and accepted their identity as sinners, yet it does not approve of actions considered contrary to godliness.
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Although the church is inclusive and open to embracing individuals from the LGBTQ+ community, their acceptance is dependent on acknowledging that the church does not support behaviors that are seen as conflicting with its beliefs.
“There are occasions when people can commit sin and realize that they have been going against the will of God. That’s when can come to the church for repentance but if not such people will not be allowed in the church,” Odiwa said.
The religious leader emphasized that his statement was clear and should not be misconstrued regarding the church’s stance on same-sex marriages.
He argued that misunderstanding always causes confusion and anxiety.
“I state here that the sacrament of marriage is between a man and a woman. Not people of the same sex,” he added.
The Bishop affirmed that the Catholic Church stands resolute in upholding the conventional teachings and principles regarding marriage.
“There is no time we will allow a liturgical rite or blessing about marriage that can confuse,” the Bishop said.
Bishop Odiwa invited LGBTQ individuals to stop their behaviors that the church deems sinful and encouraged them to seek repentance by approaching the church.
He emphasized the inclusive nature of the church’s mission, stating, “God’s mind is that all people may be saved. Therefore, let all people come to God to repent their sins, irrespective of their status.”
This statement emphasizes the church’s inclusive approach to welcoming all individuals, with the condition that they acknowledge and seek forgiveness for any actions that go against its teachings.
Additionally, Bishop Odiwa’s remarks arrive during a period of considerable ambiguity surrounding the Catholic Church’s position on the topic of same-sex marriage.
His comments seek to elucidate the standpoint of the Homa Bay Catholic Diocese regarding this issue.
We’ll not allow same-sex marriage, says Homa Bay clergy
