Vatican OK on Same-Sex Blessings Sparks Divided Reactions in Africa

The Vatican's unexpected Dec. 18 declaration permitting nonliturgical blessings of same-sex couples has sparked divided reactions across the African continent, with LGBTQ activists praising the move while several local Catholic bishops' conferences have issued statements reiterating that the church still does not approve of gay marriage. ...Ugwoke is one of many priests across the African continent who have voiced strong criticisms of the new Vatican document. He said there are currently two groups — those who agree with the declaration and those who oppose it on the grounds that it may change the church's position on marriage being a sacramental union between a man and woman.