Religion
Pope Francis approves blessings for same-sex couples
Pope Francis has formally permitted Catholic priests to bless same-sex unions.
In the Catholic Church, a blessing is a prayer or plea, usually delivered by a minister, asking God to look favourably at the person(s) being blessed.
However, a declaration issued by the Vatican on Monday clarified that “such blessings should not be conducted with any church rites that offer the impression of a marriage”.
The declaration added that “the doctrine regarding marriage does not change, and the blessing does not signify approval of the union” and that “only sexual relations between a man and a woman in the context of marriage are considered lawful”.
Despite the caveat, the declaration reflects a significant shift in Vatican doctrine.
In 2021, the Vatican decreed that the Catholic Church would not bless gay marriages because God “cannot bless sin”.
But in a turn of events two months ago, Francis hinted that he would be open to having the Catholic Church bless same-sex unions.
The pope said “pastoral charity” requires patience and understanding, adding that priests should not become judges “who only deny, reject and exclude”.
He said a blessing requested is a plea for God’s help to live a better life even in situations that are “not morally acceptable”.
The practice of blessing same-sex couples was already established in some countries such as Belgium and Germany, despite not having the approval of the Holy See until now.
Since Pope Francis took office in 2013, he has worked to reform church governance, making it less hierarchical and paying more attention to those who have expressed concerns about exclusion.
However, he has met stiff internal resistance along the way.
Religion
“You will end in destruction” – Bishop Oyedepo issues warning to Yahoo Boys
Nigerian clergyman and founder of Living Faith Church otherwise known as Winners Chapel, has issued a warning to Yahoo boys.
The popular clergyman, during a sermon on Sunday, April 28th, said that internet fraudsters, who are famously known as Yahoo boys, are living in a very fast lane which would end in bitterness and destruction.
He stated that nobody playing games has a future in the Kingdom as he admonished them to desist from it. He noted how there is a law to mind which is the law of sowing and reaping, the law of seedtime and harvest, and the law of giving and receiving.
Bishop Oyedepo in his final message told them to engage in the law cheerfully and should watch how they will begin to lay up gold with time.
He said: “Nobody playing games has a future in the kingdom. Hear this and hear it forever. If that is your trade, stop it.
Yahoo Yahoo business, stop it. Grabbing people’s ATM card details, stop it! You are on a very fast lane that always ends in bitterness and d£§truction.
There is the law to mind. The law of sowing and reaping. The law of seedtime and harvest. The law of giving and receiving that is the law.
Engage with that law cheerfully. Engage with that law willingly. Engage with that law tirelessly and watch how you begin to lay up gold with time.”
Sometimes back, Bishop David Oyedepo had made headlines when he banned earphones and others in his church, describing them as devil’s tools.
According to Man of God, youths with earphones are not ready to hear God’s words, hence they should not be allowed into the church.
He had also warned married couples on the dangers of not having a good sex life. He averred that a sex-starved marriage is heading for destruction.
Religion
Drama as pastor Paul Enenche confronts lady for sharing fake testimony (Video)
Paul Enenche, the senior pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre (DIGC), on Sunday, called out a woman for sharing what he claimed to be a “false testimony”.
A short video from the DIGC’s service went viral on social media wherein he confronted the woman during her testimony.
The lady had taken to the altar to testify how she became the first graduate in her family. She also thanked God for making it possible for her to graduate with a “Law degree from the National Open University Of Nigeria (NOUN)”.
She recounted how some spiritual forces prevented her and her siblings from attending universities and how she overcame them.
Enenche, however, asked the lady what degree she graduated with and she said “Law”. The clergyman thereafter inquired to know what kind of “Law degree”, to which the lady answered “BSc in Law”.
The cleric immediately pointed out that there is no such thing as a “BSc in law” — casting doubt on her testimony.
“Your testimony is a lie. There is nothing like a BSc in Law. Please go back to your seat. Bsc in Law. Is that how lawyers speak English?” the cleric asked rhetorically.
“Please, anybody who comes to this altar to share a testimony that is not true, you do it at the risk of yourself.
“We are not playing here. We are not faking anything here.”
TRENDING VIDEO: 'BSc in Law' — Paul Enenche calls out lady for sharing 'fake testimony' pic.twitter.com/B47VWoAUGG
— CableLifestyle (@CableLifestyle) April 15, 2024
The video has been widely circulated on social media platforms, with users airing their different opinions.
NOUN held its 13th convocation on Saturday. The convocation ceremony saw 22,175 students graduate across NOUN’s 120 study centres in Nigeria.
Of the graduates, 15,768 received their undergraduate degrees, while 6,407 were awarded postgraduate certificates.
Religion
FG approves Thursday as additional public holiday for Eid-el-Fitr
The federal government has approved Thursday April 11 as an additional public holiday for this year’s Eid-el-Fitr celebration.
Aishetu Ndayako, permanent secretary in the ministry of interior, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.
On April 7, the federal government had declared Tuesday and Wednesday as public holidays for the Muslim celebration.
Shortly afterwards however, Muhammad Abubakar, Sultan of Sokoto, declared Wednesday as the first day of Shawwal 1445AH, adding that there was no sighting of the new moon on Monday.
In the new statement, Ndayako quoted Tunji Ojo, minister of interior, as congratulating the “Muslim Ummah for a successful completion of a month of spiritual rejuvenation”, while “reiterating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s (GCFR) firm commitment to providing a safe and prosperous Nigeria for all to thrive”.
-
Crime4 days ago
UK-based Nigerian doctor, Tijion Esho loses licences over sex for free Botox injections
-
News7 days ago
‘Mischievous narrative’ — Yahaya Bello’s media office reacts to ‘American school refunding $760k’ claim
-
Entertainment4 days ago
Gunmen abduct singer Gnewzy in Delta, demand $200k ransom
-
Entertainment7 days ago
Family announces burial arrangements for junior pope
-
World1 week ago
Nigerian lady Clara Chizoba Kronborg certified as world record holder for longest interviewing marathon
-
News6 days ago
Shake-up in EFCC as Olukoyede appoints chief of staff, 14 directors
-
Celebrities4 days ago
Davido claims Wizkid begged him to join proposed joint tour
-
News4 days ago
Rowdy session as senators fight over seats in refurbished chamber