"Just get married": Spontaneous blessing campaign in Bavarian churches

People who want to get married can have themselves blessed spontaneously in Protestant-Lutheran churches in Bavaria on Thursday. Numerous churches across Bavaria are taking part.

On Thursday, the Evangelical Lutheran Church wants to make this wish come true in an uncomplicated way for all couples who would like to be blessed. For this purpose, many churches invite to a spontaneous blessing action under the title "simply get married".

50 pastors bless marriages

Those wishing to marry can have the church bless them in various Evangelical Lutheran churches in Bavaria, for example in Rothenburg ob der Tauber (Ansbach district), in Nuremberg in St. Egidien, in Kalbensteinberg in the Weissenburg-Gunzenhausen district, in Wendelstein in the Roth district, in Hof and Thurnau (Kulmbach district), in Memmingen, Augsburg and Regensburg and Munich. All participating churches can be found on the website "einfach heiraten" of the Protestant Church. There you will also find the times at which the respective church will be holding the blessing event.

Blessing for all who get married - whether already married or not

According to the church, it does not matter whether the couples are already married or would like to celebrate their marriage anniversary. Anyone can receive the blessing - LGBTQI+ couples are also cordially invited to the spontaneous marriage blessing. According to the Protestant Regional Church, it is also not important whether one is a member of the Protestant Church.

Uncomplicated wedding blessing in 20 minutes

Those who want to get married can drop by the respective church without making an appointment. The church of St. Egidien in Nuremberg, for example, writes on its website: "You simply and spontaneously come to the church on the day and register at the church of St. Egidien. We will have a personal conversation with you and get to know you. You tell us your wishes and then it's time for your YES. Music, jewellery and a champagne reception will be provided." The blessing ceremony lasts about 20 minutes, they say.

Blessing is not legally valid

In Bavaria, a total of 50 pastors are prepared to give a wedding blessing to spontaneous couples. This blessing is not legally valid - you have to get married in a civil ceremony. However, couples already married in a civil ceremony can take a marriage certificate with them with proof.

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