Catholic Priest Issues Stern Warning on Genotype Compatibility Before Marriage
A Catholic priest serving in the diaspora has delivered a powerful admonition to intending couples, urging them to prioritize checking their genotype compatibility before committing to marriage. Reverend Father Prince Chidi Philip has taken a firm stance that he will never officiate weddings for couples who both possess the AS genotype, describing this position as non-negotiable.
Why the Priest Takes This Uncompromising Position
In a detailed Facebook post that has since gone viral, Father Philip elaborated on his reasoning. He emphasized the profound burden that children born with sickle cell disease place on their families, friends, and wider communities when both parents carry the AS genotype. The priest argued that this suffering is largely avoidable through proper genetic awareness and compatibility checks.
Father Philip wrote in his post: "AS + AS Marriage: As a Catholic Priest, I Will Not Wed You. This Is Not Negotiable." He continued, "AS + AS lovers must learn to pity not only their unborn children, but also the friends, families, and communities who will inevitably carry the weight of avoidable suffering. Sickle cell disease is never a private burden, it's a shared lifelong pain."
Beyond Love and Prayer: The Need for Wisdom
The priest made a crucial distinction between spiritual faith and practical wisdom in marital decisions. He asserted that while love and prayer are essential components of marriage, they are insufficient without the foundation of genetic compatibility. "Love alone is not enough. Prayer alone is not enough. Faith without wisdom is not holiness, it is recklessness," Father Philip declared.
He issued a direct call to action for those in serious relationships: "If you currently have a boyfriend, a girlfriend, or a partner you intend to marry, do not delay, go now and check your genotype compatibility. Do it before emotions deepen, before plans are made, before families are involved, and before it becomes harder to accept the truth."
Social Media Reactions and Broader Implications
The priest's uncompromising position has ignited significant debate across social media platforms. While some users have praised his courage in speaking what they consider a difficult truth, others have questioned whether this stance aligns with traditional Christian marriage vows that include commitments through sickness and health.
One commenter, Philo Ifebemenwa, supported the priest: "Well said my Padre. You have told the BITTER TRUTH. If they come asking for help and you refuse; GOD will NOT hold you responsible."
Another user, Markson Mark, raised a theological question: "In that case, the church should remove this saying 'for better for worse and in sickness and poor'. Let's make it straight."
Nneka Nwokedi posed a practical dilemma: "I have had this question bothering me for so long, what would be the stand of the Catholic church if she officiated a marriage and it was later discovered that a man altered his compatibility result with the help of the lab scientist who was his friend?"
A Call for Proactive Responsibility
Hyginus Arinze Nchita offered a preventive perspective: "Thank God for the church and her wisdom. For me, before you become Boyfriends and Girlfriends, You should know your Genotype and be always aware of its compatibility. That will help you to know the limits of your relationship."
Iorpuu Benjamin TV summarized the ethical dimension: "This is a hard truth, but it is necessary truth. Faith does not cancel responsibility, and love does not excuse negligence. Choosing genotype compatibility is not lack of faith; it is obedience to wisdom. Preventable suffering is not God’s will."
Related Context: Priestly Vocations and Marriage
In a separate but related development, the conversation around priesthood and marriage has surfaced in other contexts. Another Catholic priest recently explained the formal process through which a priest could renounce his vows and pursue marriage if he felt called to that vocation. This highlights the complex interplay between religious commitment, personal calling, and practical considerations within Catholic teachings.
The ongoing discussion reflects broader societal conversations about genetic awareness, preventive health measures, and how religious institutions navigate scientific knowledge within traditional frameworks of faith and commitment.
