The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has condemned Vatican’s orders that allow priests to offer blessings to same-sex couples, while stating it remained committed to its duty of “clarifying” the Pope’s statement.

According to a statement signed by archbishop of Owerri diocese, Lucius Ugorji, and the bishop of Uromi, Donatus Ogun; anyone requesting for a blessing, which is a prayer or plea usually delivered by a minister, has a desire to live according to God’s commandment, Believers Portal reports.

As such, “those in irregular unions are invited never to lose hope but rather to ask for God’s grace and mercy while remaining open to conversion,” the statement issued on Wednesday said.

“In conclusion, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria assures the entire People of God that the teaching of the Catholic Church on marriage remains the same,” the statement added.

“There is, therefore, no possibility in the Church of blessing same-sex unions and activities. That would go against God’s law, the teachings of the Church, the laws of our nation, and the cultural sensibilities of our people,” according to Believers Portal.

The CBCN urged its priests to continue to sustain the sacrament of holy matrimony and “never to do anything that would detract from the sacredness of this sacrament.”