German Catholics approve text on gender diversity by large margin

The Synodal Assembly on the reform of the Catholic Church in Germany adopted a text on dealing with gender diversity by a large majority in Frankfurt on Saturday.

Of the 197 assembly members present, 170 voted in favour, eight against and 19 abstained. The bishops’ vote was also strongly in favour, with 38 votes to support diversity, seven against and 13 abstentions. A two-thirds majority of the bishops is needed for passage.

During the debate it was agreed that people who are not heterosexual should be accepted by the Church.

The Synodal Assembly is made up of archbishops, bishops and auxiliary bishops, as well as lay-members from the Central Committee of German Catholics. The group discusses a range of contemporary theological and organizational questions concerning the Catholic Church, as well as possible reactions to the sexual abuse crisis in the Catholic Church in Germany.

Multiple sexual abuse scandals and the Church’s efforts to protect its reputation have shattered the trust of many Catholics.

In addition, women and gay communities in particular are demanding reforms to recognize the rights of minorities and to open positions within the Church to women.

Numerous delegates gave a standing ovation after the vote results were announced, some waving rainbow flags.

“My high, high respect for this bishops’ conference,” said Katharina Kluitmann, a nun.

Several bishops expressed resevations during the emotionally charged discussion. A basic text on a similar topic had failed to pass in the fourth Synodal Assembly last autumn because of the bishops’ veto.

While some bishops spoke critically of “gender ideology,” others described themselves as learners. There was agreement in the debate that non-binary, trans and intersex people should feel at home and accepted in the Church.

A young synod member called for a break with what she called were derogatory traditions in the Catholic Church before the vote.

During the debate, Mara Klein, who identifies as non-binary, appealed to the bishops: “If it’s not a yes and it’s not a no, then abstain responsibly.”