The Catholic Bishop of Zaria, Most Rev. Dr. Habila Tyiakonaboi Daboh, has reiterated the Catholic Church’s recognition of only two genders—male and female—while emphasizing the sacredness of marriage as a divine institution.
Bishop Daboh delivered this message during the Votive Mass of the Holy Spirit for the 2025 Camping Programme of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal in Nigeria (CCRN) at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Pastoral Centre, Graceland, Zaria, Kaduna State, on Friday, February 7, 2025. Drawing from Hebrews 13:1-8, he urged the faithful to honor and uphold the sanctity of Holy Matrimony, which he described as God’s sacred covenant rather than a mere human institution.
Affirmation of Traditional Gender Roles
Addressing the congregation, the bishop maintained that the Church upholds only two genders—male and female—and condemned transgenderism, stating that gender identity is immutable. He referenced political stances on the issue, remarking that former U.S. President Donald Trump had reinforced the recognition of only two genders.
“We should be people who preach two genders—male and female. So, no change,” Bishop Daboh stated. “The God who created man and woman yesterday is the same today and will remain the same forever.”
He further criticized efforts to redefine marriage, labeling same-sex unions as contrary to divine teaching. “Marriage is to be honored by all and kept undefiled. The Sacrament of Matrimony is instituted by God Himself, and we must not take it for granted,” he said.
Call for Purity and Fidelity in Marriage
Bishop Daboh urged couples to remain faithful in their marriages, underscoring that fornication and adultery have no place in Christian life. He encouraged Christian families to model love and commitment, teaching their children to embrace the same values.
“From the very beginning, God created marriage as a union of love and fidelity,” he said. “When children see the love between their parents, they grow up to continue in that path.”
Quoting Matthew 5:8, he added, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”
The bishop’s message was a clarion call to the faithful to defend the sanctity of marriage and traditional Christian values, remaining steadfast in their faith amid changing societal norms.
( Trinitas Newspaper)
