German Evangelicals approve "marriages" with multiple partners

The flag of the polyamory community – a symbol of open relationships between multiple partners at a demonstration in Germany. Photo: baznica.info

On July 24, 2025, the Evangelical Church of Kurhessen-Waldeck (Germany) officially allowed its pastors to bless polyamorous unions – relationships involving more than two adult partners who know each other and are in a voluntary relation, reports Baznica.info.

This is the first regional church within the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD) to make such a decision at an official level. The Synod's decision states that the aim of the innovation is to make pastoral practice more «realistic» and supportive of people in different forms of relationships.

The decision sparked a strong reaction in society. According to surveys, 48% of German citizens oppose the blessing of such unions, 26% support it, and the rest are undecided. Religious communities, particularly Catholics, Muslims, evangelical free churches, and more traditional Lutheran communities within the EKD, have expressed strong opposition.

Some other regional churches of the EKD – for example, in Bavaria, Rhineland, and Northern Germany – had previously allowed pastors to decide for themselves whether to bless such unions. Currently, the Evangelical Church in Germany is discussing possible changes to the official church document – the «Order of Life» (Lebensordnung), which regulates behavior and norms for the clergy.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Lutherans advocate for the removal of the filioque from the Nicene Creed.

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