Only five German dioceses out of 27 refuse to implement a liturgical
"blessings" for homosexual concubines, a survey by Katholisch.de (6
August) found.
In April, the German Bishops' Conference published the booklet
"Blessings Give Strength to Love" about the "blessing" of mortal sin.
The conference's president, Bishop Georg Bätzing of Limburg, recommended
implementing it as it was "largely in line" with the guidelines set out
in 'Fiducia Supplicans'.
The five dioceses that refused are Cologne, Augsburg, Eichstätt, Passau and Regensburg.
Bishop
Bertram Meier of Augsburg argued that, although Francis prohibited the
use of a prescribed ritual, the German handout refers to "blessing
celebrations". It advocates a "planned and aesthetically appealing
design for a liturgical blessing celebration", incorporating music and
singing — an approach that contrasts with Francis' emphasis on
spontaneous blessings.
Eleven German dioceses have either formally endorsed the booklet or continue to follow practices consistent with its guidance.
The
remaining eleven dioceses have adopted various positions, with some
expressing caution about its implementation or leaving decisions to the
discretion of individual priests.
Die-Tagespost.de commented:
"The situation of the Catholic Church in Germany is thus increasingly
reminiscent of that of the Anglican Church in England, where believers
know that they will be served a different pastoral, liturgical, and, in
some cases, doctrinal menu depending on the parish."
Picture: Pressefoto, SynodalerWeg.de, #newsWrfpvrvahi