The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has responded to Pope Francis' decision to enable Roman Catholic priests to bless same-sex marriages.
KCCB Chairman Archbishop Martin Kivuva Musonde highlighted the Vatican letter announcing the decision in a statement to newsrooms on Wednesday, adding that the text broadens the spectrum of church blessings to include "simple blessings that are not given in a liturgical setting."
"This document, Fiducia Supplicans, states that "The value of this document, however, is that it offers a specific and Innovative contribution to the pastoral meaning of blessings permitting a broadening and enrichment of the classical understanding of blessings," said Musonde in the statement.
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"We know that often, even in our own African Culture, a Father or Mother can give a blessing to their children. This also applies to Christian Parents who can give a blessing to their children without any reference of their conditions or circumstances. This is understood as an invocation to God to look upon them and their needs."
He went on to say that while the Church blesses someone, it does not sanction or approve of any immoral behavior or actions they may engage in.
According to Musonde, these blessings and prayers encourage personal development and a return to a righteous way of life in conformity with the Church's and God's teachings.
"The work of the Church is to gather the scattered, recover the lost, and redirect all sinners back to the fount of salvation and of eternal life, and that is Jesus Christ our Saviour. No blessing can be understood outside the context of God's Will, and the Salvation and invitation to Communion with God," he said.
"Evangelization is a journey, and each makes this journey at his or her pace, aided by the grace of God, and the intercession and ministry of the Church."
Similarly, Musonde emphasized that, notwithstanding Pope Francis' declaration, the Church's concept of marriage as a sacrament between a man and a woman remained intact.
"It (document) does not seek an alternative 'union blessing' to substitute a Sacramental marriage. What this document seeks is to awaken the invitation of all people to God's action and grace. The Church seeks to reach out to all individuals in order to stir them to the path of conversion and salvation," said the KCCB Chair.
"Consequently, the document recognizes that anyone, irrespective of their moral life or faith condition, is welcome to receive blessings from the Church or a Church minister. The Church does not withhold a blessing to an individual who seeks It with an attitude of truth and faith. This blessing can be given even to non-Catholics, or non-Christians who honestly wish to receive God's blessing. "
