Shillong, Dec 22: Archbishop of Shillong Victor Lyngdoh has clarified on the blessing of same-sex couples by stating that this is not the same as conducting the official marriage ritual of the same-sex couples.
He was referring to the approval of Pope Francis on blessing of the same-sex couples.
In a letter addressed to the priests, religious and faithful of the Archdiocese of Shillong on Friday, the Archbishop said, “Therefore, the declaration does not change the Catholic Doctrine of Marriage and the blessing does not signify approval of the union.Let us keep the sanctity of Marriage in the Church. Wishing you a very Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year”
According to the Arch Bishop, the declaration stresses on the pastoral meaning of blessings. This is a spontaneous prayer of a priest with informal words. This is not to be mistaken as the official liturgical and ritual blessings of the Church during marriage
“The Catholic Church issued the declaration “Fiducia Supplicans” on the 18th December 2023 through The Dicastery for the Doctrine of Faith and approved by Pope Francis. With this, it will be possible for a Catholic Priest to bless the same-sex couples but without any type of ritual of the Church that resembles marriage rite”, the Archbishop said.
