Recently, Evariste Ndayishimiye, the president of Burundi, went on a scathing diatribe against same-sex marriage, calling it a “abominable practice” and arguing that gay couples should be stoned for religious reasons.
Recognised for his traditional Christian beliefs, the President had previously demanded that homosexuals be “banished” and treated like outcasts. He denounced Western nations that oppose LGBTQ+ rights, boldly turned down help from groups that support them, and advised those who have those views to remain overseas.
This statement is a response to certain significant changes that have occurred in the global discourse on LGBTQ+ rights, including the December 18th pronouncement by Pope Francis addressing the blessing of homosexual couples.
Numerous African churches have already expressed their opposition to these developments. For example, the bishops of Cameroon declared that “we formally prohibit all blessings of homosexual couples,” and openly denied any modification. In a similar vein, Togo has stated that it is accepting of people In same-sex partnerships but advises priests not to bless them.
This dynamic illustrates the conflict between global doctrinal shifts and the autonomy of individual religious communities, especially in conservative regions like Africa, and reflects the ongoing struggle within the Catholic Church to reconcile differing perspectives on LGBTQ+ issues.
