Cardinal Reinhard Marx of Munich, Germany, has instructed priests and pastoral staff to perform "blessings" for homosexual couples and adulterers.
A spokesperson confirmed to Die-Tagespost.de on 21 April that all pastoral practice should adhere to the German bishops' guideline, Segen gibt der Liebe Kraft ('Blessing Gives Love Strength'). This guideline is set to become a fundamental element of pastoral work across the Archdiocese of Munich.
Training sessions for pastoral staff on how to conduct these "blessing ceremonies" are scheduled to begin in June.
No couple seeking a blessing should be turned away.
Priests who reject such "blessings" are expected to refer couples to either their dean or other pastoral workers willing to perform them.
Furthermore, Cardinal Marx has urged that the "theological meaning" of the guideline be explained, particularly to those who may "still" struggle with the concept of such "blessings".
Blessings for same-sex couples are already common practice in several German dioceses.
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