The Christian Association of Nigeria, on Tuesday, commended the Vatican for rejecting same-sex union or marriage, saying it was in line with biblical principles.
CAN also called on governments, especially in Africa, that had endorsed same-sex marriage to retrace their steps.
A statement by the General Secretary of CAN, Joseph Daramola, also commend the Federal Government for resisting the pressure to reverse its earlier anti-same-sex policy and law.
He said, “Our joy knew no bound when we learnt that the decision of the Vatican’s doctrinal office, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, rejecting the same-sex union or marriage was endorsed by Pope Francis.
“It is one decision too many. We agreed with the Pope that the godly and timely decision is not intended to be a form of unjust discrimination, but rather a reminder of the truth of the liturgical rite.
“CAN commends Pope Francis for standing by the Scripture that is superior to any civilisation. That decision is the position of the Scripture as stated unambiguously in Genesis 9:20-27, Genesis 19:1-11, Leviticus 18:22, 20:13, Romans 1:18-32, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 and 1 Timothy 1:10.
“Whatever law that contradicts these passages of the Bible is totally unacceptable, reprehensible and must be rejected. Even the practice is accursed to the animals; we wonder why normal human beings will be practising it and we condemn it in strong terms.
“We totally agreed with the Vatican that what is to be blessed needs to be ‘objectively and positively ordered to receive and express the grace, according to the designs of God inscribed in creation, and fully revealed by Christ the Lord’.
“For this reason, it is not licit to impart a blessing on relationships, or partnerships, even stable, that involve sexual activity outside of marriage (i.e., outside the indissoluble union of a man and a woman open in itself to the transmission of life), as is the case of the unions between persons of the same sex.
“We call on any government, especially in Africa, that has endorsed same-sex marriage to retreat from the practice. We commend the Nigerian government for resisting the pressure to reverse its earlier anti-same-sex policy and law.”
Similarly, the National Orientation Agency hailed the Vatican for banning all Catholic churches worldwide from conducting same ex marriages.
The spokesman for the NOA, Mr Paul Odenyi, said this during an interview with The PUNCH on Tuesday.
Odenyi added that the directive of the Vatican corresponds with the spirit of Nigeria, which outlawed same sex marriage over seven years ago.
The NOA spokesman urged Nigerian youths to respect cherished traditions and not to be deceived by international trends
He said, “The law today is that gay marriage is illegal and that is what should be our orientation and that is the rule. As an agency of government, that is what we preach and that is what we think is correct. I am proud that the Catholic Church has made it clear, because it seemed there was confusion on the matter. This matter has now been put to rest.
“Marriage is between a man and a woman. As an agency, we must continue to preach that the law continues to be followed. Gay marriage and relationships are illegal.”
On the rising trend of cross-dressers on social media, Odenyi said it was caused by poor enforcement of the law.
The NOA spokesman asked youths not to be polluted by such social media trends.
“So many laws are being flouted, but when those found wanting are caught, they must be ready to face the consequences. If a person is in a gay relationship, even on the Internet, is illegal and when caught, he will be punished,” he said.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan had in 2014 signed a law that criminalises same-sex relationships, defying western pressure over gay rights and provoking international criticism.
The law prescribes penalty of up to 14 years in prison and bans gay marriage, same-sex amorous relationships and membership of gay rights groups.
Copyright PUNCH.
