A South Korean Catholic priest’s public blessings for same-sex couple are making the world of difference to the way couples see themselves. Father Seungbok Lee’s actions have won applause from individuals and groups supporting same-sex couples’ rights. Two sets of female same-sex couples – Yeon Yeon and Yoon Hae, and Chris and Ari – are Read more
In a discreet meeting held at Prague’s Mozart Hotel, 21 Catholic bishops including nine cardinals from several continents convened to discuss “Gender ideology, science and the nature of divine revelation.” The discussion, organised by the Austin Institute for the Study of Family and Culture, delved into topics surrounding gender theory’s perceived threat to Christian values Read more
Pope Francis has expressed optimism that “everyone will gradually calm down” regarding the Vatican’s recent decision to permit priests to offer same-sex blessings. The Vatican’s announcement, titled “Fiducia Supplicans,” drew criticism from conservatives, with some Catholic bishops in Africa expressing strong disapproval. However Pope Francis described the objections from certain African bishops as stemming from Read more
The same-sex blessings near Cologne Cathedral (pictured) were a public salute to scores of private ceremonies among European Catholics in recent years. The crowd waved rainbow flags and according to media reports, sang “All You Need Is Love” by the Beatles. The mid-September rites included Catholic priests reciting blessings for same-sex and heterosexual couples and, Read more
In an act of defiance against the conservative stance of Cologne’s archbishop Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki, several priests gathered outside Cologne Cathedral for a ceremony blessing same-sex couples. The protest was sparked by criticism in March directed at a priest from Mettmann, a town near Duesseldorf. He had conducted a “blessing ceremony for lovers,” including Read more
The Church of England is delaying controversial plans to bless same-sex couples, official papers reveal. In February, the Church’s lawmaking body approved blessings for lesbian and gay couples. The approval was limited to couples who were already married or had a civil partnership. The landmark vote drew ire from both sides of the Church’s same-sex Read more
Leaders of the conservative wing of the Anglican Church have declared that they no longer recognise England’s Archbishop of Canterbury as first among equals. They are calling for a complete overhaul of how the global denomination is led. The primary cause of the rift among Anglican leaders is their differing opinions on homosexuality and same-sex Read more
The German bishops can expect a discussion with the Vatican over their vote in favour to bless same-sex unions. The move, made by the influential and wealthy German Church, does not align with official Catholic doctrine, which forbids such blessings. “A local, particular church cannot make a decision like that which involves the discipline of Read more
German Catholic Bishops approved the blessing of same-sex relationships during their final synod assembly, defying the Vatican’s stance against such blessings. The five-page document, “Blessing ceremonies for couples who love each other,” was passed by 176 votes for, 14 against, and 12 abstentions at its second reading. The vote formally adopts it as a resolution Read more
Rumours swirling about the Anglican Communion in England’s recent ‘yes’ vote for same-sex blessings have been cleared up by the Archbishop of Canterbury. Decisions made by the Anglican Communion in England apply only to England. They don’t have an international reach, Justin Welby says. He reminded people of the autonomy of Anglican Provinces, as rumours Read more