German RCC developing document on "diverse sexual orientations of people"

The German RCC calls for a revision of the Church’s sexual morality. Photo: iz.ru

On September 4, 2020, the Synodal Forum of the German RCC on sexual morality, led by Bishop Helmut Dieser of Aachen, presented a document discussing the "value of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities", reports neuesruhrwort.de.

The RCC hierarch stated that he hopes "for a significant change in Catholic sexual morality" because, according to him, "many people perceive the Catholic view on sexuality in many areas as discriminatory."

He believes that the Catholic Church must acknowledge that "sexuality is not something separate from a person but an integral part of them."

In this regard, the regional conference on the Catholic reform process, Synodal Path, introduced the first draft of the document, which includes several proposals that collectively received eleven votes.

The document states, among other things: "We appreciate the diversity of people's sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as the longevity, loyalty, and exclusivity of their relationships."

Bishop Dieser emphasized that "there is a great diversity of sexual identities and orientations, which are neither interchangeable nor chosen by individuals" and expressed hope that two-thirds of the bishops would participate in the ongoing reform process.

"If that happens, we would at least achieve a result from the Synodal Path that signals a clear intention to continue the process in Germany. This is also an important message for the Universal Church," the RCC hierarch noted.

Earlier, it was reported that the head of the German RCC bishops had called for a reconsideration of the Church's teaching on LGBT issues.

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