By Amaechi Agbo

A lecturer In the Department of Mass Communication, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT Mr Sebastine Okafor has resigned his membership of the Catholic Church.

Mr Sebastine’s resignation and denouncement of the church came after the head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis approved blessing of same-sex couples by priests in the church.

Pope Francis formally approved letting Catholic priests bless same-sex couples, the Vatican announced Monday, a radical shift in policy that aimed at making the church more inclusive while maintaining its strict ban on gay marriage.

Announcing his resignation in a letter made available to ESUT Monitor, the young lecturer stated that the announcement by the Church prompted him to reevaluate his identity with the church adding that even though he respects the Church’s prerogative to evolve its stance, he found myself in fundamental disagreement with the recent shift in policy.

He declared that going forward, he considers myself a full-time traditionalist, standing by the principles and values of the religion

Read his letter below;

Declaration of Resignation from Catholic Church Membership

Dear Friends,

I am writing to formally inform the general public of my decision to denounce and resign from my membership in the Catholic Church in to to.

The recent declaration by Pope Francis allowing the blessing of same-sex couples has prompted deep reflection on my part. While I respect the Church’s prerogative to evolve its stance, I find myself in fundamental disagreement with this particular shift in policy.

My association with the Catholic Church has been a significant part of my identity, but I believe it is essential to align my beliefs with an institution that better reflects my values. Therefore, I am choosing to denounce my membership and disassociate myself from any connection with the Catholic Church until such time that the Church in Nigeria clarifies its position on this matter.

This decision does not diminish the respect I hold for those with differing views or beliefs. It is a personal choice, guided by the need for consistency between my convictions and the institutions I am associated with.

Henceforth, I consider myself a full-time traditionalist, standing by my principles and values.

Thank you for your understanding, and I appreciate the support and camaraderie we have shared within the Church.

Sincerely,

Sebastine Okafor (Bookastro)