German Bishop apologizes for church's past concerning LGBTQ+ rights
4:13 PM EDT, June 15, 2024
Ludger Schepers, the Auxiliary Bishop of Essen, has asked homosexual individuals for forgiveness. In Germany, it was only three decades ago that a law allowing the persecution of gays and lesbians was abolished.
Germany established Paragraph 175, which targeted gays and lesbians, at the end of the 19th century. This provision criminalized homosexual acts and remained in effect even after World War II. In East Germany, it was enforced until 1968, and in West Germany until 1994. As a result of these persecutions, tens of thousands of people suffered.
The memory of the victims of the "homosexual paragraph" remains vivid. Germany now pays compensation to those who suffered under this law. On the anniversary of repealing this discriminatory law, a representative of the Catholic Church, Ludger Schepers, Auxiliary Bishop of Essen, spoke out.
An apology from the German Bishop
The clergyman approved the German parliament's decision to abolish Paragraph 175. The Bishop pointed out that, unfortunately, the Catholic Church did not support this decision 30 years ago. Schepers reminds us that the Church opposed the repeal of the discriminatory law and therefore asked LGBTQ+ individuals for forgiveness.
The Auxiliary Bishop of Essen criticizes the Church's policy towards homosexuals. The Bishop appealed that God created people with a diversity that includes homosexual orientation. Therefore, we should not deny people dignity based on gender or sexual preferences.
The Bishop is disappointed with the Church's stance
The clergyman calls for the posthumous rehabilitation of individuals who fell victim to the harsh law. He has no doubt that the Church is complicit in the criminalization of homosexuality.
Unfortunately, the Church has not yet changed its approach to homosexuality and other orientations. However, the Bishop expressed his gratitude to the 20 German dioceses that have appointed caregivers for the queer community.
Ludger Schepers has become renowned as a champion of non-heteronormative individuals. He is the first Church-appointed LGBTQ+ representative in Germany. His mission is to educate the faithful on issues related to queer individuals.
