Petition richtet sich an: German Bishops' Conference

Dear Cardinal Marx,

Same sex, deep bonds are described appreciatively in both the New and Old Testaments (1 Sam 18:1-4; Ruth 1:14-17; John 13:23-26; John 19:26-27). A rejection of homosexuality in today's understanding finds no argument in the Bible. The condemnation of homosexual people to abstinence cannot be derived either from the Old Testament or from the New Testament.

The Bible condemns sexuality that is intended to harm other people, including rape and child abuse (Gen 19:1-29; 1 Cor 6:9-10; 1 Tim 1:10). Sexuality that seeks to exert power, to humiliate, oppress, injure, humiliate, or violate their dignity is to be rejected. In Romans 1:24-27 a turning away from God is thematized. A condemnation of same-sex love in the modern sense cannot be inferred from this.

For all people - be they heterosexual, homosexual or bisexual - the following applies: "Live sexuality and partnership in the spirit of the double commandment of love". Or more simply: "Live and love in the spirit of the double commandment of love". We should treat all people in the spirit of charity. Regardless of their sexual orientation.

Sections 2357 to 2359 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church on Chastity and Homosexuality are obsolete and should be deleted. There is no argument in the Bible for excluding people from the priesthood because of their sexual orientation.

The Old Catholic Church in Germany and several Protestant regional churches make it possible to bless same-sex couples. The Catholic Church should follow this example. Discrimination harms the mental and physical health of lesbians, gays and bisexuals.

Psychotherapies and pastoral interventions aimed at changing sexual orientation are contraindicated!

Yours sincerely

Christof Wagner and all co-signers