Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Abuja (Agenzia Fides) – The Nigerian Bishops in Africa express their concern regarding the repercussions that the legalization of same-sex marriage in some states of the Western world (Ireland, Canada, Spain, France, United States) can have.
In a statement released at the end of their Plenary Assembly, sent to Agenzia Fides, the Nigerian Bishops point out that the countries that have legalized same-sex marriage "also generate a lot of the media content consumed in our Country and continent as well as much of the educational materials used in our schools. They also give generous humanitarian aid (...). In these ways, their views, thoughts and trends are easily embedded into the heart of our society and influence many people especially the impressionable young ones".
Thanking for "interactions and support", the Bishops are worried about "the influence which some of these trends could have on morality and values". "Accepting this western trend by officially endorsing homosexual unions or "same-sex marriage" will be devastating and detrimental to our nation, Nigeria as it will lead to the inevitable deconstruction of the family and the society at large with other serious but negative implications".
The document concludes by launching an appeal to political leaders "to shun all pressures and protect all Nigerians from the growing but dangerous influence of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender propaganda" and to professionals in the domains of media, music, entertainment, teaching, medicine, marketing and business "to become faithful gatekeepers by protecting the public from the infiltration of this propaganda which is often spread through various media and forums". (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 10/07/2015)
