African Archbishop Stops Liturgical Nonsense

Cotonou Archbishop Roger Houngbédji, 60, Benin, is denouncing liturgical abuses, especially inappropriate dress and rambling sermons.

His October instruction now forbids:

• reading liturgical texts such as the Responsorial Psalm from a mobile phone
• inappropriate movements during the liturgy, especially during the sign of peace
• vague and abstract homilies
• outfits that are brightly coloured, conspicuously printed or too tight/short
• ripped jeans
• shocking tattoos
• aggressive piercings
• closing speeches at liturgies, especially at funerals
• speeches by civil or military authorities, or benefactors during liturgies
• tendentious songs

Picture: Roger Houngbédji, #newsMcocnniumk