Catholic bishops in Germany defy Pope-approved ban on blessing same-sex civil unions
A Pope Francis-approved decree recently stated gay sex is "intrinsically disordered”
Words: Jamie Tabberer; picture: Pexels
Catholic bishops in Germany are openly defying a Pope Francis-approved decree from the Vatican banning blessings of same-sex unions.
An official Vatican order on the matter issued earlier this month stated: “God does not bless sin.”
The move follows the Pope appearing to endorse same-sex civil unions in an interview for the film Francesco last year.
“Cannot be considered licit”
Ludwig Schick, archbishop of Bamberg, Bavaria has reportedly opposed the decree, alongside 200 theologians and 2,000 priests, monks and other clergy in the country.
According to The Times, Schick said in his Sunday sermon that God’s blessing applied to traditional families and people “who have chosen other ways of life,” while Bishop of Limburg Georg Bätzing has indicated discomfort with the order by saying: “There are no easy answers to questions such as these.”
According to the outlet, at least one German cathedral has displayed rainbow flags in response to the news.
This month’s edict from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith also stated that blessings of same-sex unions “cannot be considered licit.”
It adds that “the Christian community and its pastors must welcome with respect and sensitivity persons with homosexual inclinations” but that gay sex is “intrinsically disordered.”