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Tag: Same Sex Marriage

  • Church of Nigeria condemns England’s approval of same-sex marriage liturgy

    Church of Nigeria condemns England’s approval of same-sex marriage liturgy

    The Church of Nigeria has condemned the recent approval of the “Living in Love and Faith Liturgy” by the General Synod of the Church of England.

    The decision, taken on 8 July 2024 in York, authorises blessings for same-sex couples and allows clergy to enter into same-sex marriages, a move seen by the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion as a departure from Biblical teachings.

    NAN reports that the vote results in favour of the decision were narrow: Bishops – 22 for, 12 against, Clergy: –  99 for, 88 against and Laity – 95 for, 91 against.

    Despite the slim margin, the Church of Nigeria expressed grave concern, stating that the Church of England has chosen to “walk away from our cherished Biblical truth and teaching on Marriage between man and woman; male and female,” as affirmed in Genesis 2:18-24 and Matthew 19:4-6.

    Emphasising that the approval signifies a departure from the doctrinal commitments of the Anglican Church, the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Most Rev. Dr. Henry Ndukuba accused the Church of England’s bishops of sacrificing Scriptural authority for modern cultural trends.

    According to him, thus jeopardising the unity and sacramental communion within the Anglican Communion.

    Ndukuba warned that proceeding with the liturgy could lead to a “Broken Sacramental Communion” with the Church of Nigeria and other Anglican provinces that uphold traditional Biblical teachings.

    He recalled the 2003 controversy involving the Episcopal Church (USA) and the consecration of Canon Gene Robinson, which similarly threatened the unity of the Anglican Communion.

    He said that the Church of Nigeria reaffirmed its solidarity with the Church of England Evangelical Council (CEEC), GAFCON, and other faithful Anglicans worldwide in denouncing the approval.

    The Church as a body described the decision as an “error of great magnitude” and a violation of Biblical teachings on marriage.

    Commending those who opposed the decision, Ndukuba assured support and fellowship for the faithful members and parishes within the Church of England who continue to uphold Scriptural authority.

    He reiterated  the Church of Nigeria’s commitment to the truth and expressed hope that the truth of God would ultimately prevail over falsehood.

    Ndukuba, however prayed for the Anglicans in the Church of England, encouraging them to remain steadfast in their obedience to Christ despite the challenges posed by the recent decision.

  • Thailand becomes first Southeast Asia to approve same-s3x marriage

    Thailand becomes first Southeast Asia to approve same-s3x marriage

    Thailand has become the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage following a historic parliamentary vote, TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports.

    The Senate upper house pulled a total vote of 130, four against, and 18 abstentions, to amend the marriage law enabling same-sex couples to marry.

    King Maha Vajiralongkorn will receive the bill for royal approval, and it will be effected 120 days after being published in the official Royal Gazette.

    Thailand will join Taiwan and Nepal as the third Asian destination where same-sex couples can tie the knot, with activists eyeing possible wedding ceremonies starting in October.

    “We are very proud of everyone involved in this historic moment. You have helped to bring about a massive change.

    “Today love wins over prejudice,” an LGBTQ activist and member of the committee that scrutinized the law, Plaifah Kyoka Shodladd, told senators after the vote.

    Ahead of the vote, Tunyawaj Kamolwongwat, an MP with the progressive Move Forward Party, stated that the change in the law was “a victory for the people”.

    The recent legislation replaces mentions of “men,” “women,” “husbands,” and “wives” in marriage laws with gender-neutral terminology.

    It also grants same-sex couples equal rights to heterosexual couples regarding adoption and inheritance.

    “My partner has one boy and I want to have legal rights to formally adopt him as my child and to have a say about his well-being. This bill will allow it,” Kevin Pehthai Thanomkhet, 30, told AFP.

    A staunch supporter of the LGBTQ community and the bill,  Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin will host celebrations at his official residence, welcoming activists and supporters later on.

    Activists are also planning an evening rally featuring a drag show in central Bangkok, where large shopping malls have been displaying the rainbow flag in support since the beginning of Pride Month in June.

    Thailand has long enjoyed a reputation for its tolerance of the LGBTQ community, and opinion polls reported in local media show overwhelming public support for marriage equality.

    More than 30 countries worldwide have legalized same-sex marriage since the Netherlands celebrated the first union in 2001.

  • With time same sex marriage will be accepted by everyone – Pope

    With time same sex marriage will be accepted by everyone – Pope

    Pope Francis has expressed confidence that those who criticise his decision to allow blessings for same-sex couples will come to understand it over time, except for Africans, whom he referred to as a “special case.”

    Reuters reports that Pope Francis stated that Africans perceive homosexuality negatively from a cultural perspective in an interview with Italian newspaper, La Stampa, that was published on Monday.

    “Those who protest vehemently belong to small ideological groups. A special case are Africans: for them homosexuality is something bad from a cultural point of view, they don’t tolerate it.

    “But in general, I trust that gradually everyone will be reassured by the spirit of the ‘Fiducia Supplicans’ declaration by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith: it aims to include, not divide,” he said.

    Last month, a Vatican document called Fiducia Supplicans (Supplicating Trust), which allowed blessings for same-sex couples, sparked widespread debate in the Catholic Church and around the world.

    However, the Vatican made it clear that blessings should not be included in regular church ceremonies or linked to civil unions or weddings.

    It emphasised that it continues to view marriage as between a man and a woman.

    According to Reuters, last week, Francis seemed to recognise the resistance that the document generated, particularly in Africa, where in some countries, same-sex activity can result in severe consequences, such as imprisonment or even capital punishment.

    He said that when the blessings are given, priests should “naturally take into account the context, the sensitivities, the places where one lives and the most appropriate ways to do it.”

    The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria announced that Catholic churches within the country will not perform blessings for same-sex unions.

    “That would go against God’s law, the teachings of the Church, the laws of our nation, and the cultural sensibilities of our people,” they said in a statement.

    According to the bishops, there was a misinterpretation of Pope Francis’s decision to allow the blessing of same-sex marriage.

    “The Declaration reinforces the truth about God’s mercy. For one to willingly ask for a blessing demonstrates one’s trust in God and the desire to live according to God’s commandments.

    “Asking for God’s blessing is not dependent on how good one is. Imperfection is the reason for seeking God’s grace.

    “Therefore, those in irregular unions are invited never to lose hope but rather to ask for God’s grace and
    mercy while remaining open to conversion.”

  • (VIDEO)Breaking! Finally, Pope forbids priests from approving same-5ex marriage

    (VIDEO)Breaking! Finally, Pope forbids priests from approving same-5ex marriage

    Apparently peeved by stories making the round that the Vatican has approved same-5ex marriage, Pope Francis has signed a decree barring Catholic priests from approving same-sex marriage.

    Watch:

     

  • Methodist Church Nigeria part ways with British counterpart for endorsing same-sex marriage

    Methodist Church Nigeria part ways with British counterpart for endorsing same-sex marriage

    The Methodist Church Nigeria (MCN) on Friday passed a vote of no confidence on its British counterpart, over the latter’s approval of same-sex marriage.

    The Nigeria variant of the church said this in a statement by its Director, Media and Public Relations, Rev. Oladapo Daramola, in Lagos.

    Daramola said that the Church expressed its displeasure over the decision of the British Church in favour of same-sex marriage.

    According to him, the position of MCN was made known by its Prelate, His Eminence Chukwumerije Kanu-Uche, in a message he shared with members, on July 2.

    Kanu-Uche announced that MCN was cutting formal ties with the British Methodist Church (BMC) due to the latter’s decision to vote in favour of same sex marriage at the just-concluded conference.

    “I wish to let you know that I was invited to the British Methodist Conference this year, 2021 but I was duly represented by Rt. Rev. S. R. Nortey.

    “He was part of the Conference and he has given me preliminary information and report.

    “I have requested him to publish and circulate the full report on the SSM to the Conference office and all of us,” he said.

    He said that what the British Methodist Conference had done was predicted by John Wesley that, “a time will come when the Methodist Church will exist as a dead sect, having the form of religion and denying the power thereof unless they continue with the spiritual fervency with which they first started.”

    The prelate reminded the members that the British Methodist Church was no longer the mother Church of MCN.

    “She is only a sister Church. MCN gained autonomy in 1962 and became autocephalous in 1963. So, we can part ways with the British Conference and have nothing to lose.

    “I only pity those romancing with them because of pecuniary interest.

    “Suggestion to write or visit the British Methodist Conference is an insult on Methodist church.

    He, however, said the Church will wait to receive a detailed report from the accredited delegate to the Conference and take an informed decision at Aug. 2021 consultation.

    “As a remedial measure let every Bishop, and Archbishop tell our members that MCN does not support gay or same-sex marriage,’’ Kanu-Uche said.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that the Nigerian House of Representatives had during the 7th assembly, during the dispensation of President Goodluck Jonathan passed a resolution against same-sex marriage, citing its un-African nature.

  • CAN praises Pope Francis for rejecting same-sex marriage

    CAN praises Pope Francis for rejecting same-sex marriage

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Tuesday praised Pope Francis for rejecting same-sex marriage and standing by the Bible, which it described as superior to any civilisation.

    In a statement issued in Abuja by its General Secretary, Mr Joseph Daramola, CAN said that the pope’s decision was godly and timely.

    “ We agree 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.

    ”Our joy knew no bounds 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,” CAN said.

    According to the association, the decision is the position of the Bible as stated 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, we condemn it in strong terms.

    ”We totally agree 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.

    The association called on governments, especially in Africa, which endorsed same-sex marriage, to retreat.

    “We commend the Nigerian Government for resisting the pressure to reverse its anti-same-sex policy and law,” CAN said.

  • Benue Assembly outlaws same-sex marriage

    The Benue House of Assembly on Wednesday passed a Bill to prohibit marriage contract between persons of the same sex in the state, the News Agency of Nigeria reported.

    Cited as Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Law, 2018, the bill was passed at plenary after a clause by clause consideration by the Committee of the whole presided over by the Speaker, Mr. Terkimbi Ikyange.

    According to the bill, “a marriage contract or civil union entered into between persons of same sex shall not be solemnised in a church, mosque or any other place of worship in Benue.’’

    The bill also prohibited the registration or recognition of gay clubs, societies and organisations, their sustenance, procession and meeting as well as a public show of same sex amorous relationship directly or indirectly.

    According to the law, any person who entered into a same-sex marriage contract or civil union commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a term of 14 years’ imprisonment.

    Speaking after the third reading of the bill, the Speaker stated that same-sex union was alien to the culture and tradition of the State and had to be prohibited.

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan signed into law the bill which outlawed same-sex marriage in Nigeria on January 7, 2014, in defiance of protests from some countries, groups and activists.

  • Benue Assembly outlaws same sex marriage

    The Benue House of Assembly on Wednesday passed a Bill to prohibit marriage contract between persons of same sex in the state.

    Cited as Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Law, 2018, the bill was passed at plenary after a clause by clause consideration by the Committee of the whole presided by the Speaker, Mr Terkimbi Ikyange.

    According to the bill, “a marriage contract or civil union entered into between persons of same sex shall not be solemnised in a Church, Mosque or any other place of worship in Benue’’.

    The bill also prohibited the registration or recognition of gay clubs, societies and organisations, their sustenance, procession and meeting as well as public show of same sex amorous relationship directly or indirectly.

    It stipulated that any person who entered into a same sex marriage contract or civil union commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a term of 14 years imprisonment.

    Speaking after the third reading of the bill, the Speaker said same sex union was alien to the culture and tradition of the State and has to be prohibited.

    Recall that former President Goodluck Jonathan signed into law the Bill which outlawed same sex marriage in Nigeria on Jan. 7, 2014, in defiance of protests from some countries, groups and activists.

  • Ignore Theresa May’s advice on legalisation of same-sex marriage, CAN tells Buhari

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Sunday advised the federal government to disregard the counsel of British Prime Minister, Theresa May, on same sex marriage.

    The advice is contained in a statement issued by Adebayo Oladeji, the Special Assistant on Media and Communications to the CAN President, Olasupo Ayokunle, in Abuja.

    Recall that Ms May, while speaking at the first joint forum at Commonwealth Head of Government Meetings in Westminster, said there should be no laws criminalising same-sex relationships across the Commonwealth.

    She was quoted as saying: “As the UK’s Prime Minister, I deeply regret that those laws were introduced. As a family, we must respect one another’s cultures and traditions, but we must do so in a manner consistent with equality, as it is clearly stated in the Commonwealth
    charter.

    “Nobody should face discrimination or persecution because of who they are or who they love and the UK stands ready to help any Commonwealth member wanting to reform outdated legislation that makes such discrimination possible.”

    The CAN president, however, noted that the position of Ms May was ungodly, satanic, reprehensible, condemnable and should be rejected by all right thinking people globally, especially in Nigeria.

    He said that Nigerians had unanimously resolved to do away with same sex marriage.

    He added that Nigeria cannot return to its vomit mainly because of a view canvassed by the British Prime Minister.

    The statement reads: “If we may remind the British authorities, the same-sex marriage contradicts the position of the Scripture and any human law that contradicts the Bible cannot stand.

    “God is the author of marriage and He stated it clearly that it involves a man and a woman.

    “In addition, The Bible states: ‘A man will leave his father and his mother and he must stick to his wife and they must become one flesh.’ (Genesis 2:24).Jesus our Saviour confirmed that marriage should be ‘male and female.’—Matthew 19:4.”

    “The plan of God for marriage is very clear. Men and women are designed to complement each other so they may be capable of satisfying each other’s emotional and sexual needs and of providing children.

    “The Bible condemns homosexuality as an immoral and unnatural sin. Leviticus 18:22 identifies homosexual sex as an abomination, a detestable sin. Romans 1:26-27 declares homosexual desires and actions to be shameful, unnatural, lustful, and indecent. First Corinthians 6:9 states that homosexuals are unrighteous and will not inherit the kingdom of God. Since both homosexual desires and actions are condemned in the Bible, it is clear that homosexuals “marrying” is not God’s will, and would be, in fact, sinful.

    “This is the position of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and any government that dares to make same sex marriage lawful is not only asking for the wrath of God but that of the Christians and other well meaning Nigerians.

    “The fact that British authorities or all countries of the world practise or allow it does not make it right. Whatever that is ungodly is unacceptable to CAN and to Nigerians.

    “The British Prime Minister should take a lesson from all animals in the bush. As wild as beasts may be, they never contemplate till today indecent sexual relationship of same sex.

    “Same sex marriage is Sodomy and it was one of the major reasons God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah in the Bible. No human right should set aside the commandment of God. Man cannot be God to himself/herself.

    “Same sex marriage is not acceptable in Nigeria because it is human madness and CAN is confident that our government will never contemplate introducing it.”

    “For the sake of emphasis, CAN stands by the moral situations according to the Holy Book. We contend that on no account should our government bow to pressure by making Nigeria capitulate while embracing strange culture that allows barren amorous relationship between same sex, not in tandem with mother nature.

    “The sovereignty of Nigeria allows it to stick fervently to its good law, morals and values and to reject any influence by strange cultures from other climes that is anti-human.”

  • Theresa May urges Buhari to allow same-sex marriages in Nigeria

    British Prime Minister, Theresa May, has called for same-sex marriages in Nigeria and all other Commonwealth Nations.

    The Prime Minister said this on Tuesday while speaking at the first joint forum at Commonwealth Head of Government Meetings in Westminster.

    According to her, there should be no laws criminalising same-sex relationships across the Commonwealth.

    May said that she understands that most of the laws against same-sex marriages in the Commonwealth were made by the United Kingdom, adding that those laws were wrong then, and are wrong now.

    She said, “Across the world, discriminatory laws made many years ago, continue to affect the lives of many people tens of millions of young people.

    “Criminalising same-sex relations and failing to protect women and girls.”

    “I am all too aware that these laws were put in place by my own country; they were wrong then and they are wrong now.

    “As the UK’s prime minister, I deeply regret that those laws were introduced…as a family, we must respect one another’s cultures and traditions, but we must do so in a manner consistent with equality, as it is clearly stated in the Commonwealth charter.

    “Nobody should face discrimination or persecution because of who they are or who they love and the UK stands ready to help any Commonwealth member wanting to reform outdated legislation that makes such discrimination possible.”