Citing the “Synodal Way”, Frings further wrote: “The recognition of the equality and legitimacy of non-heterosexual orientations, their practices and relationships, as well as the elimination of discrimination based on sexual orientation, is urgently required”.
The official pointed to a text from the forum on “Life in successful relationships – Living love in sexuality and partnership”, which not only contains comments on the evolution of views on homosexuality, but also on masturbation, marriage, sexual lust and other related topics.
The German layman also linked the “Synodal Way” to a major LGBT campaign in Germany called “#OutInChurch – For a Church Without Fear”, which was launched on January 24.
The campaign called for a review of what it described as “defamatory and outdated” expressions of Catholic doctrine, reported CNA Deutsch, CNA’s German-language press partner.
In a seven-point list of demands, organizers wrote, “Defamatory and outdated statements of Church doctrine on sexuality and gender must be revised on the basis of human theological and scientific findings.”
The campaign – launched with great publicity in Germany, accompanied by a television program – was welcomed on behalf of the episcopal conference by Bishop Helmut Dieser, president of the “Synodal Way” forum on “Living in Successful Relationships”.
