The majority of German bishops and representatives of the laity Catholic organizations, in the session they convened, they favored the blessing of same-sex marriages in the country’s Catholic churches.

With this decision, German Catholics once again defy the Vatican, which considers homosexuality a “sin”.

In 2021 and 2022 some priests organized ceremonies across Germany for male and female couples. Today’s vote was aimed at expanding this movement.

Of the representatives of organizations that participated in the session, 176 were in favor of the blessing of same-sex marriages, 14 against and 12 abstained. In other words, the proposal was approved with a percentage of 92.6%. Most of the bishops were also in favor: 38 gave a positive vote, 9 negative and 12 abstained.

In their regions, however, the bishops are free to do as they see fit, despite today’s decision. This means that those who disagree with same-sex marriages can refuse to perform them.

In 2021 the Congregation of Cardinals for the Doctrine of the Faith – now renamed the Tribunal – published a decision in which it reiterated that it considers homosexuality a “sin” and confirmed that same-sex couples cannot participate in the sacrament of marriage. In January 2022, about one hundred German gay Catholics, priests or other persons employed in parishes, had denounced the “discrimination” policy of the Roman Catholic Church, one of the country’s most important employers.

Although the number of believers is decreasing, the Roman Catholic Church remains the largest in Germany and the Protestant Churches follow.