Before the Dialogue Sermon with the Bishop, the same woman was doing joint blessings of same-sex couples with a female Protestant minister

"We have no problem with that": Same-sex couples also receive blessings at a church service in Freising

At the blessing ceremony at St. Lantpert: Deanery coordinator Theresa Reischl (front right) and Pastor Manuela Urbansky 

The ecumenical Valentine's Day service in Freising drew around a hundred people. Same-sex couples also received a blessing.

"I can only say 'wow'," said a delighted Theresa Reischl by way of introduction; she organized the Valentine's Day service together with Deacon Thomas Kirchmeier, Pastor Manuela Urbansky, and lay preacher Brigitta Sutor. The reason for her surprise: More and more worshippers were streaming into St. Lantpert Church, until the sanctuary actually began to feel crowded.

"Love is always when heaven and earth touch," Reischl reminded the congregation, adding: "We have a need to love someone unconditionally, but also to be loved unconditionally—with all our rough edges." "If you ask couples who have been together for a long time about the recipe for success, most say: laughing together and reconciling after an argument," noted Kirchmeier.

To give people space to deepen their feelings, the organizers set up a total of six stations within the church. At one station, for instance, there were numerous lanterns with candles where people could warm themselves, much like basking in the warmth of love.

To give people space to deepen their feelings, the organizers set up a total of six stations within the church. At one station, for instance, there were numerous lanterns with candles—sources of warmth akin to the warmth of love. 

Beyond the blessing itself, there was a special feature: to give people space to deepen their feelings and to foster a sense of closeness, the organizers set up six stations throughout the church, each linked to a different activity. At one station, for example, there were numerous lanterns with candles—offering warmth like that of love—accompanied by a playful note: "If it gets too hot, you might get burned."

At another station, couples could pick up a shard of glass symbolizing a conflict in their relationship, then set it down—thereby laying aside their anger and arguments. While some moved between these stations, embracing and finding time for one another, a long line of people slowly formed, waiting to receive a blessing.

"None of us have a problem with that; they are people in love."

Deacon Thomas Kirchmeier on the blessing of same-sex couples

This Valentine’s Day blessing was highly sought after and visibly moved those who received it. But who, exactly, came for a blessing? "I saw married couples, friends, people whose partners were at home, and people who were worried about something," Reischl explained after the event. What impressed the team of four was that "they blessed us in return and, of course, wished us all the best."

"People opened up right away about what was on their minds and why they were there," Kirchmeier noted, clearly impressed. That evening, he also had the opportunity to bless same-sex couples. "None of us have a problem with that; they are people in love," Kirchmeier said. For those administering the blessings, the focus is on the individual—the believer and the person coming to them—whether they arrive with specific concerns, worries, and hardships, or simply because they love someone. My News

The atmosphere in the church was highly unusual; the customary procedures were broken, and the music was modern, focusing exclusively on the theme of love. "Look around at who is here. Smile at one another. We humans need love and we need community," said Manuela Urbansky.

In recent times, the Catholic Church in Freising has repeatedly endeavored to reach people with less of a connection to the church through new formats.

For instance, a Halloween devotion sparked controversy in the autumn.

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