Protest of the Neuer beginning initiative against the blessing practice of the DBK

Initiative "New beginning" protested against DBK handout "for the practice of blessing"

The "Neuer Beginning" initiative expressed its protest against a recently published handout of the German Bishops' Conference (DBK) in a blessing for blessed couples. This handout published on the website of the DBK suggests that it has formal approval of bishops, even though it is officially declared as not binding. Critics of this practice see this an attempt to establish a new practice in a time vacant church law, which is in direct contradiction to existing church teachings.

The protest is initiated in particular by the fact that the document was apparently published in the time of mourning the deceased Pope Francis, which many perceived as pious. The initiative emphasizes that the new handout is violating the express requirements of the apostolic exhort "Fiducia Supplicans", which clarifies that no new rituals for blessing couples may be designed or formally accepted in irregular life situations.

From the initiative's point of view, the handout aims to legitimize a liturgical practice that is not accepted in Catholic teaching. The church, the critics argue, could not simply ritualize the blessing for irregular lifestyle without undermining the basic principles of their teaching. They emphasize that the distinction between a general blessing and a liturgical act is of great importance and that the measures proposed in the handout blur this difference.

The "New beginning" initiative calls for an immediate withdrawal of the handout and has appealed to the DBK and the responsible church authorities in Rome. In the document, she sees an attempt to undermine church unity and authority and has announced that it also addresses the topic internationally, especially to bishops and church members worldwide. This protest is part of a greater discourse on the role of the Church in modern society and the challenges that arise from different views of the practices of faith.

The reaction to this handout and protest is eagerly awaited, especially with regard to the direction that the Catholic Church in Germany and internationally. The discussion touches central topics of Catholic ethics and pastoral practice, which are of great relevance in today's world.