Bishop Michael Odiwa: We'll not allow same sex marriage

Bishop Michael Odiwa has expressed the Catholic Diocese of Homa Bay's strong position on same-sex marriages.

On Tuesday, the bishop emphasised that unless a person expresses a willingness to repent, they are not permitted to speak from the pulpit of the church.

Bishop Odiwa declared that persons who practise homosexuality could only be blessed at the church altar if they choose to give up what he called "weird marriage."

The Catholic Church does not recognise or approve of same-sex marriages, Bishop Odiwa emphasised.

He stated, "As a church, we have established a unified position that we will not sanction marriages between individuals of the same sex in our church. It is inconceivable for a priest or a bishop to bless a union where a man wants to marry another man, or a woman wishes to marry another woman."

The Diocese's devotion to traditional Catholic teachings regarding marriage is reflected in this declaration.

Speaking at a holy liturgy at Kasipul Constituency's St. Peter Oyugis Catholic Church, Odiwa stated that same-sex unions are viewed as sins by the church.

According to him, the church may only bestow blessings on individuals who engage in same-sex marriages if they express a desire to repent.

The priest emphasised that while the church does not support actions deemed immoral, it does work as a sanctifying institution for people who have accepted their status as sinners.

Although the church is willing to embrace those who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ), acceptance is conditional on a knowledge that the church does not support behaviours deemed to be in opposition to

“There are occasions when people can commit sin and realize that they have been going against the will of God. That’s when can come to the church for repentance but if not such people will not be allowed in the church,” Odiwa said.

The Diocese's devotion to traditional Catholic teachings regarding marriage is reflected in this declaration.

Speaking at a holy liturgy at Kasipul Constituency's St. Peter Oyugis Catholic Church, Odiwa stated that same-sex unions are viewed as sins by the church.

According to him, the church may only bestow blessings on individuals who engage in same-sex marriages if they express a desire to repent.

The priest emphasised that while the church does not support actions deemed immoral, it does work as a sanctifying institution for people who have accepted their status as sinners.

Although the church is willing to embrace those who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ), acceptance is conditional on a knowledge that the church does not support behaviours deemed to be in opposition to its teachings.

The clergy said he was categorical in his statement and should not be misunderstood on the church’s position on gay marriages.

 He argued that misunderstanding always causes confusion and anxiety.

“I state here that the sacrament of marriage is between a man and a woman. Not people of the same sex,” he added.

The Bishop said the Catholic Church remains firm on the traditional doctrine of the church about marriage.

“There is no time we will allow a liturgical rite or blessing about marriage that can cause confusion,” the Bishop said.

Bishop Odiwa extended an invitation to members of the LGBTQ community, urging them to cease their actions, which the church considers sinful, and to approach the church for repentance.

He emphasized the inclusive nature of the church’s mission, stating, “God’s mind is that all people may be saved. Therefore, let all people come to God to repent their sins, irrespective of their status.”

This statement underlines the church’s open-door policy towards all individuals, albeit with an expectation of repentance for actions contrary to its teachings.

Furthermore, Bishop Odiwa’s comments come at a time when there is noticeable uncertainty regarding the Catholic Church’s stance on same-sex marriage.

His remarks aim to clarify the position of the Catholic Diocese of Homa Bay on this matter.