German Church Risks Conflict with Vatican Over Same-Sex Blessings

When Germany's bishops were rebuked by a top Vatican official over a handbook for blessing same-sex couples, the public spat was followed with interest by German-speaking Catholics.

"Whereas the Vatican has authorized spontaneous pastoral blessings, some German bishops wish to go further and offer a ritual form complete with prayers and Gospel readings," explained Fr. Paul Zulehner, a veteran theologian and religious sociologist. Read Full Article »