"Even though there are differing opinions on this within the universal Church, I see this practice in the Diocese of Limburg as being within a responsible framework." Read More
https://i0.wp.com/www.newwaysministry.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/20231218T1000-PASTORAL-BLESSINGS-DECLARATION-REAX-1770143-resize.jpg?fit=1000%2C667&ssl=16671000Guest Contributorhttps://www.newwaysministry.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/logo_nwm-1.pngGuest Contributor2026-05-11 01:00:152026-05-08 14:36:33German Dioceses and Lay Association Support Rituals for LGBTQ+ Blessings
The guidelines are intended to offer practical advice for pastoral ministers as they impart blessings to ". . . couples of all gender identities and sexual orientations. . . " Read More
https://i0.wp.com/www.newwaysministry.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ap24004798901109_slide-77d223ba8f8a3e66229bc4bd37ea6c051bdbb68b.jpg?fit=1100%2C733&ssl=17331100Jeromiah Taylorhttps://www.newwaysministry.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/logo_nwm-1.pngJeromiah Taylor2025-06-09 01:00:452025-06-06 11:39:23German Catholic Church Offers Guidelines for Blessings of Same-Gender Couples
"As the Catholic Church, we have a special responsibility towards LGBTIQ people because in the past we ourselves were involved in discriminating against these people based on church teachings." Read More
A leader of Germany's influential lay Catholic organization has criticized the cardinal who censured a priest for conducting a blessing liturgy inclusive of queer couples. Read More
https://i0.wp.com/www.newwaysministry.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/w2100_h1313_x1504_y991_rp_SK_Segnungsgottesdienst_ME_01-e4d885a1aaddc835.webp?fit=2100%2C1313&ssl=113132100Robert Shine, Managing Editorhttps://www.newwaysministry.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/logo_nwm-1.pngRobert Shine, Managing Editor2023-08-12 01:00:182023-08-11 17:12:11German Catholics Criticize Cardinal’s Decision to Censure Priest Who Blessed Queer Couples
The fifth and final assembly of Germany's Synodal Way begins today, and among the issues to be decided are two documents on LGBTQ+ issues. However, a last minute controversy is brewing with the bishop members which could imperil reform efforts. Read More
https://i0.wp.com/www.newwaysministry.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Synodal-way-pic.jpeg?fit=900%2C600&ssl=1600900Robert Shine, Managing Editorhttps://www.newwaysministry.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/logo_nwm-1.pngRobert Shine, Managing Editor2023-03-09 01:00:442023-03-08 16:41:45Germany’s Synodal Way Now Considering Texts on Gender Diversity, LGBTQ+ Blessings
The head of Germany's largest lay association has written that the church needs a "clear adjustment" in its teachings on homosexuality, coming the same week the Vatican issued further criticism of that nation's Synodal Way process. Read More
A top German bishop has expressed his disappointed with the Vatican's recent statement banning the blessing of same-gender unions, suggesting the question is not settled. Read More
https://i0.wp.com/www.newwaysministry.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/20200303T1039-34660-CNS-GERMANY-PRESIDENT-BATZING.jpeg?fit=480%2C322&ssl=1322480Robert Shine, Managing Editorhttps://www.newwaysministry.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/logo_nwm-1.pngRobert Shine, Managing Editor2021-03-16 01:00:102021-03-17 22:51:33Top German Bishop “Not Happy” with Vatican Ban on Blessing Same-Gender Couples
In two European developments, lay Catholics in Germany formally endorsed church blessings for same-gender couples, while bishops in Switzerland have chosen to remain neutral on an upcoming LGBTQ referendum. Read More
https://i0.wp.com/www.newwaysministry.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/ZDK.jpg?fit=800%2C450&ssl=1450800Robert Shine, Managing Editorhttps://www.newwaysministry.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/logo_nwm-1.pngRobert Shine, Managing Editor2019-12-16 01:00:102019-12-15 09:27:14German Laity Endorses Blessings for Same-Gender Couples, While Swiss Bishops Neutral on LGBTQ Law
Two German bishops and a theologian have joined the conversation on how the Church can bless same-gender couples, even while still denying them sacramental marriage equality. Read More
https://i0.wp.com/www.newwaysministry.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/481272_m3t1w624h350v46301_210_008_642174_SZL_Brunnen.jpg?fit=512%2C350&ssl=1350512Robert Shine, Managing Editorhttps://www.newwaysministry.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/logo_nwm-1.pngRobert Shine, Managing Editor2018-01-25 01:00:342018-06-28 13:08:25Another German Bishop, Theologian Support Blessings for Same-Gender Couples
