Archbishop Kivuva on blessing same-sex couples: ‘It means blessing their minds to realise they are wrong’

Mombasa Catholic Archbishop Martin Kivuva has addressed Pope Francis’s permission for Roman Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples.

The Vatican last Monday, in a document approved by Francis, backed "the possibility of blessings for couples in irregular situations (including unmarried couples or divorcees) and for couples of the same sex".

"One should not prevent or prohibit the Church's closeness to people in every situation in which they might seek God's help through a simple blessing," it said.

The approval sparked controversy in the Catholic clergy in Kenya, with some bishops distancing themselves from the Vatican’s stance.

Addressing journalists on Monday at the Holy Ghost Cathedral in Mombasa after Christmas service, Archbishop Kivuva said Francis’s message was meant to encourage accommodation in the church even to people whose lifestyle is not in line with the doctrine.

Kivuva, who is also the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) chairperson, maintained that the Catholic church will not marry same-sex couples but urged the faithful to embrace lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) persons with the view of helping them “live a God-fearing life”.

“When the pope made the announcement, we who know our culture and values, understand that he means we should wish good for others regardless of their sexuality. We can’t judge anyone but cannot say we want to marry them in church,” the archbishop said.

“It means that we are willing to associate with anyone, the way we associate with people with disabilities, for instance, and help them live a God-fearing life.”

According to him, blessing same-sex couples is not an endorsement of same-sex marriage but “blessing their mind so they can realise they are wrong.”

“In recognising everyone regardless of their moral life, we can accept them; maybe they were born that way or maybe it is an acquired behaviour, but welcoming them to receive blessings in the church is not about blessing their lifestyle but blessing their mind so they can realise they are wrong,” Kivuva told reporters.

Vatican’s document did not change the Catholic Church's stance on same-sex unions; it reiterated the long-held position that marriage is between only a man and a woman to have children.

The document said no blessings should be given which confuse the issue.

"This blessing should never be imparted in concurrence with the ceremonies of a civil union, and not even in connection with them," it said.

On Sunday, Nairobi Archbishop Philip Anyolo opposed the Vatican’s decision arguing it contradicts traditional Catholic doctrine on marriage and family, including the disapproval of the Catholic Church of homosexual unions.

A December 20 statement by KCCB said the Vatican’s document broadens the range 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," the statement, signed by Archbishop Kivuva said.

"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 to their conditions or circumstances. This is understood as an invocation to God to look upon them and their needs."

The KCCB chair said when the church bestows blessings upon people, it doesn't endorse or approve of any immoral behaviour or actions they might engage in.