Donna Danna (27 Apr 2026)
"German Catholic Priests To Begin Training Sessions 6/2026 On How To Conduct Blessing Ceremonies For Same-Sex Couples"



"Cardinal Reinhard Marx, the Archbishop of Munich and Freising, has issued a formal directive instructing every priest and full-time pastoral worker in his archdiocese to facilitate blessing ceremonies for same-sex couples. Priests who refuse are not protected. They are required to refer such couples to a dean or another member of staff. Compliance is not optional."

Starting June 2026, training sessions on how to conduct these blessing “celebrations” will roll out across all archdiocesan offices. A revised book of blessings, the Benediktionale, is also being prepared for German-speaking regions, with specific blessing formulas for same-sex couples included. Marx has described the handout as “the basis of pastoral care.” FULL STORY at above link.