Leo XIV Won’t Stop German Homosex Blessings – German Theologian

Following recent remarks from Leo XIV, theologian Thomas Söding, a layman, sees "no threat" to the blessing of homosexual couples in Germany. He has been one of the best-known voices linked to the German Synod.

Speaking to Deutschlandfunk on April 27, Söding said: “What can and should happen with homosexual couples in Germany has been agreed with Rome — and that will not change.”

According to Söding, Leo XIV’s concern is ensuring that blessings are not confused with marriage, stressing that the distinction upheld by Rome is also reflected in German pastoral guidelines.

Munich Cardinal Reinhard Marx had recently forced his clergy to perform or enable homosexual blessings. According to Söding, such blessings have “long been common practice” in many German dioceses. The real issue, Söding said, is transparency: “The question is whether people talk about it openly or not.”

Cardinal Marx’s move creates “more clarity - and that is a good thing.”

Picture: Thomas Söding © wikicommons, PapstChristian CC BY-SA, #newsUodzskhury