The Central Committee of German Catholics (ZdK) has defended the guidelines for blessing ceremonies for same-sex couples or other couples who cannot marry in the Church, which were developed by the Catholic Church in Germany. The guidelines, prepared by the Joint Conference of the ZdK and the German Bishops’ Conference, clearly distinguish between blessing ceremonies and a wedding, said ZdK President Irme Stetter-Karp on Tuesday in Würzburg at the opening of the spring plenary assembly of the highest Catholic lay body in Germany. Therefore, the corresponding concerns of Pope Leo XIV are unfounded .
“Therefore, it is my hope that this guide for blessing ceremonies will continue to be used and become a blessing in as many places as possible for blessings of same-sex couples and couples in so-called irregular situations,” said the president of the Central Committee of German Catholics (ZdK). She had expressed a similar sentiment immediately after the criticism from Pope Leo .
She welcomed the Pope’s statements that the Church should address broader issues than sexual morality—for example, gender equality. However, she currently sees no signals from the Vatican regarding the ordination of women as deacons. “The findings of the Vatican study group on the topic of the female diaconate leave me without any real encouragement,” she criticized. “Instead, it says, once again: women cannot be admitted to diaconal ordination as things stand.”
Stetter-Karp also criticized a growing apathy in society regarding the sexual abuse scandal. “Impatience, even a kind of weariness, is spreading in society, the media, and within our own ranks. I increasingly hear the question of when this issue will finally be resolved,” she said. However, she emphasized the need for the Church and society to continue addressing and confronting abuse. “Our commitment must remain: to consistently stand by the victims, advocate for their rights, and make the Church a safe place for children and young people,” the ZdK president demanded.
Continue reading at Katholisch