Global Network of Rainbow Catholics Praise German Bishops for Approving Blessings of Same-Sex Couples
12 March 2023. The Global Network of Rainbow Catholics (GNRC) applauds the Catholic Bishops of Germany who have voted to support formal blessings of same-sex couples. In a vote of 38 to 9, with 11 abstentions, the German bishops have affirmed creating ceremonies for couples whose marriages are not currently recognized by the Catholic Church. This includes same-sex couples, as well as people who remarry following a divorce.
“In taking this step, the German bishops are trailblazers and prophetic,” said Christopher Vella of Malta, Co-chair of GNRC. “They are showing great courage in witnessing to the fundamental truth that LGBTIQ relationships are sacramental and can be a path of holiness for the persons involved, as well as the fulcrum of a household church that is to be found in every family united in Christ.”
“The German bishops have prioritized the pastoral needs of God’s people over dogma,” said Marianne Duddy-Burke from the United States, a Co-chair of GNRC. “We know they understand that in taking this step they risk enormous criticism, possible sanctions, and backlash from within and outside of our church. However, they have also given hope that substantive, affirming change is possible within our church to many, especially LGBTIQ people through the blessings of same sex-couples and our families”.
GNRC and its member groups around the world eagerly awaits the publication of these rituals. We believe that many LGBTIW+ Catholics will adapt these ceremonies to their own cultures, and will feel more accepted and affirmed by our church as a result,” concluded Duddy-Burke.
Global Network of Rainbow Catholics – 2023
Press Releases from our member comunities on blessings of same-sex couples
- News Way Ministry: NWM Praises German Church’s Unprecedented Vote for LGBTQ+ Blessings
- Dignity USA: US LGBTQ+ Catholic Group Celebrates Courage of German Bishops Who Approved Formal Blessings for Same-Sex Couples
Other topics related to blessings of same sex-couples
- Out in Church – A Church without Fear
- GNRC PRess Release: #outinchurch is a Light of Hope
Hi,
Grace and peace to everyone.
The German Bishops are to be praised for recognising God’s people.
As a gay person, I have been allowed to experience an ‘Apparition,’ have been allowed to experience the ‘Love of God,’ and have been given the ‘Gift of Healing’.
Throughout human history those who rule, or are in charge, have ostracised and even killed minority groups to use them as an example to rule over the majority. This has happened the world over and in large and small organisations.
It’s time to recognise that we all all part of creation and all Loved by God ‘Just as we are’.