Catholic bishops in Nigeria have reiterated their hatred and condemnation of samesex marriage, advising President Muhammadu Buhari not to succumb to pressures coming from external governments and agencies to legalize gay marriage.
Also, they have commended the Federal Government for steps taken so far in tackling corruption and terrorism in the country.
The clerics, under the aegis of Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), condemned all acts of homosexuality, describing them as sinful and opposed to natural law.
In a communique issued at the end of their second plenary meeting held at the Pastoral Centre, Igwuruta, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, they called for a true conversion of heart.
According to them: “We observe with deep concern the rise of the orientation towards homosexuality and lesbianism, as well as bisexual and trans-gender activism in many parts of the world (perhaps not excluding our own).
“We reiterate our unreserved condemnation of all acts of homosexuality as sinful and opposed to the natural law of creation.
“We call on our government to continue to resist the attempt by some external governments and agencies to impose an acceptance of samesex unions”.
The bishops, in the communique signed by the CBCN President and Archbishop of Jos, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama and Secretary, Bishop of Gboko, Most Rev. William Avenya, said persons involved in such unnatural acts needed assistance, and their rights respected.
Speaking on the state of the nation, the conference lauded President Buhari’s fight against corruption and insurgency, noting that the nation’s economy was in distress.
They enjoined the government and humanitarian agencies to commence immediate rehabilitation, reconstruction and reconciliation of internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by terrorists’ attacks.
