The head of the German Bishops’ Conference, Georg Bätzing, has expressed disappointment regarding the decision by Bundestag President Julia Klöckner (CDU) not to fly the rainbow flag at the Reichstag in Berlin this year’s Christopher Street Day. Bätzing told “Stern” magazine that he considered the decision regrettable and that flying the flag would have been a positive signal, stating this as a Catholic bishop.
The comments come amidst ongoing internal discussions within the Catholic Church regarding its stance on homosexuality, which is currently described in the Church’s Catechism as “intrinsically disordered” and “not to be approved”. Bätzing advocates for a revision of this position, echoing sentiments expressed during the Synodal Path, a process aimed at modernizing the Church. He highlighted previous updates to the Catechism, including those concerning the death penalty, as precedents for change.
Acknowledging a “major crisis” within the institution, Bätzing noted a declining connection to faith among many individuals. A particular concern is the shortage of Catholic clergy, warning that the lack of priests threatens the Church’s sacramental life and internal strength. He called for further reforms to increase member participation in decision-making processes, arguing this would ultimately enrich rather than diminish the Catholic identity.
However, Bätzing offered little hope for same-sex couples seeking to marry within the Catholic Church, maintaining that a Christian marriage, according to his understanding, inherently involves the union of a man and a woman with the possibility of procreation, a concept he sees as biblically supported.
On the issue of abortion, Bätzing affirmed his commitment to the Church’s existing position, emphasizing its importance as a foundational principle. He stated the continued defense of the sanctity of human life from conception is a non-negotiable aspect of the Catholic Church’s ethos.