Synodal Process and Lay Groups Are Key to Increase in Catholic LGBTQ+ Acceptance

Michael Brinkschröder

The synodal process inaugurated by Pope Francis in 2021 as well as the efforts of lay organizations have significantly contributed to greater acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals in the Catholic Church, according to German theologian Michael Brinkschröder.

In an article for feinschwarz, theologian Dr. Brinkschröder, who serves as an advisor for queer pastoral care in the Archdiocese of Munich and Freising, discussed the results of the 2025 Rainbow Index of Churches in Europe (RICE) study, which analyzes and ranks the level of inclusivity for LGBTQ+ individuals across 46 churches in 26 European countries. While he observed that there exists a wiide range of acceptance levels within the Catholic Church of different European countries, he noted that the increase in acceptance levels in some countries appears to mainly be due to the work of lay organizations and the synodal process. 

Brinkschröder asserted that the church’s synodal process particularly in Belgium, Germany, England, and Wales, was critical to the increase, noting that the data for Catholic churches has changed dramatically since 2020.  He stated:

“The increases of almost 19% in Belgium and Germany, and even around 33% in England and Wales, within five years seem almost revolutionary for a church that is commonly said to think in centuries. In Belgium and Germany, the bishops’ conference and the Synodal Path, respectively, have supported blessing ceremonies for queer couples and expanded the pastoral infrastructure.”

The data shows a hopeful trend, he said, and one that suggests that the synodal process and the greater involvement of lay people are continuing to increase the level of inclusivity in Catholic Churches across Europe and hopefully the whole world. He elaborated:

“Regarding global church support for the acceptance of LGBTI+ people, there is growing inclusivity in Europe wherever the synodal process is actively being pursued. However, significant progress can only be achieved when several factors are present simultaneously. The more countries that lead the way, the easier it will be for others to refer to their example and follow suit.”

His evaluation is consistent with a  RICE co-researcher from the Netherlands who, for example, noted:

“The Dutch Roman Catholic leadership is not actively promoting this issue. But since the beginning of the Synodal Process, there has at least been room for discussion about it. Many participants in the Dutch Synodal Process spoke out in favor of an LGBTI+-inclusive church and for the liturgical blessing of same-sex partnerships.”

Brinkschröder also highlighted the presence and work of Catholic lay organizations as internal factors that can influence inclusivity within the Catholic Church. “Particularly in countries like Germany, Belgium, and Malta, which are at the top of the [acceptance] ranking,” he noted, “lay associations hold a strong position within the church.” In countries with less active lay organizations, acceptance rankings are typically lower.

As for the finding that a large disparity in levels of acceptancein different countries across Europe( the Catholic church of Slovakia, for instance, had a low acceptance score of 5%, whereas the Catholic church of Germany was given an acceptance score of 72%)Brinkschröder is due to the ambiguity of Catholic thought on LGBTQ+ issues. He stated:

“A key factor contributing to the wide range of results is the significant potential for ambiguity within Catholic theology. The fact that these ambiguities have been permitted and have been able to develop in a way that fosters greater inclusivity for LGBTQ+ people is directly related to Pope Francis’s pastoral program.”

Though the study found a wide range of acceptance levels across different countries, on average the value for inclusivity within the Catholic Church increased by approximately 6% since the 2020 RICE study, a greater increase than in the other church families. 

The RICE study also identified the varying legal situations and socio-political attitudes of the population of different countries as contributing factors to the disparities. In countries where LGBTQ+ rights are protected, for example, the acceptance score of the Catholic Church within that country is typically higher. 

—Phoebe Carstens, New Ways Ministry, January 5, 2026