Bishops across the ecclesiastical province of Antilles and Guyana have publicly disavowed blessings for homosexual ‘couples’ and couples in ‘irregular situations.’ In a statement published on January 21, the bishops stated that while individual blessings were permissible, blessings for those in ‘irregular’ partnerships or same-sex couples were not. The statement was signed by leading figures, including Archbishop David Macaire, representing six dioceses.
This stance aligns with numerous other bishop conferences that have taken similar positions against the blessing of homosexual couples. The document echoes the sentiment expressed by Archbishop Gabriel Malzaire of the Archdiocese of Roseau, in a video statement arguing that the Church should not offer blessings that tacitly approve a ‘sinful situation.’
This is not a stand against Pope Francis, emphasized Cardinal Robert Sarah, but rather a stand against a potential heresy that severely undermines the Church. Even close pope aides who initially supported the controversial text are now noting its destructive impact on ecumenical associations. Some Church leaders from the Ukrainian Greek Catholic and Russian Orthodox Churches are cautioning that such blessings could be interpreted as a sanction for the homosexual lifestyle.