A Tanzanian bishop is the latest cleric from Africa to defy Pope Francis' decision authorising blessings for same-sex couples.

Speaking during a Christmas Mass on Monday, December 25, the Vice Chairperson of the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) and Bishop of the Diocese of Geita, Flavian Kassala, said that he is not ready to bless same-sex marriages, as they not only go against morals but also contradict God's covenant on marriage and procreation.

"Hakuna ndoa ya jinsia moja, ndoa ni moja tu. Ata katika mahangaiko yake ni uhusiano wa mke na mme - binadamu. Na sio binadamu na mnyama wa kike au binadamu wa kiume na mnyama wa kike," Kassala stated.

Loosely translated; "There is no same-sex marriage, marriage is only one. Even with its challenges, it is the relationship between a man and a woman - humans. Not between a human and a female animal or a male human and a female animal."

The clergyman termed same-sex unions as "dirty" and stated that he would rather bless a stone.

"Na kama tumeshindwa kuyatenda hayo kwa wanyama, imegeuka sasa kati yetu na kupiga kelele jambo hilo lihalalishwe. na katika uchafu huo sasa tunaomba na tupewe na baraka...Ni bora unilitee jiwe nitabariki ukajenge nyumba imara kuliko hali hiyo tunapigania," he added.

Loosely translated; "And if we have failed to act like that towards animals, it has now turned among us, clamouring for this matter to be legalized. And in that filth, now we ask for blessings... It is better for you to bring a stone to me; I will bless it and you can build a sturdy house, rather than fight for such."