“For my part, I would like to ask for forgiveness”: Pfarrvikar runs at Christopher Street Day in Munich

Created: 07/16/2022Updated: 07/16/2022 18:24

By: Leyla Yildiz

The vicar Wolfgang Rothe was a participant of the CSD in Munich.

© Karl-Josef Hildenbrand/dpa

At the Christopher Street Day in Munich, the Catholic parish vicar Wolfgang Rothe ran for the first time.

The parade took place on Saturday (July 16).

Munich – Munich was colorful on Saturday (July 16): On the occasion of Christoper Street Day (CSD), parades took place in the Bavarian capital, but also in many other cities in the Federal Republic.

They should draw attention to the rights of the queer community.

Among the participants for the first time was the catholic clergyman Wolfgang Rothe.

Wearing black trousers, a black shirt, a white priest's collar and a rainbow flag, Rothe took part in the CSD's political parade, which was attended by around 140 groups with elaborately decorated floats.

CSD in Munich: Catholic vicar takes part in political parade

Why?

He explained this in an interview with the German Press Agency.

"For my part, I would like to ask for forgiveness for what has been done to queer people in our church," said Rothe, who is a parish vicar in a Munich parish.

"I fully share the goals of the CSD".

According to the police, tens of thousands of participants and onlookers marched through Munich in pleasant summer temperatures, many in colorful, imaginative costumes.

Many danced to the music and carried flags, banners, balloons - or umbrellas to protect themselves from the sun.

A police spokesman described the atmosphere as a happy, peaceful celebration.

The Federal Police had set up a stand decorated with rainbow flags in the pedestrian zone.

A street festival with a stage program was celebrated on Marienplatz, including a drag show, concert performances and commemorating the victims of the war in Ukraine and the victims of HIV and AIDS.

CSD in Munich: parish vicar confessed to his homosexuality years ago

Parish Vicar Rothe wanted to set an example with his participation for the first time.

Years ago he had openly acknowledged his homosexuality.

In 2021, he blessed homosexual couples in a Catholic service, against the wishes of the Vatican.

Earlier this year, he published a book about being Catholic queer called “Wanted.

loved.

Blessed.".

A lot is happening now: In January, 125 queer church employees came out and protested against discrimination in the workplace under the motto #OutInChurch.

And the chairman of the German Bishops' Conference, Bishop Georg Bätzing of Limburg, recently announced a change in church labor law.

So far, in the Catholic Church, it can cost you a job to commit to a same-sex partnership, for example.

CSD in Munich: "These are signals that can give hope"

Rothe spoke of steps in the right direction.

"These are signals that should give hope," he said.

But: “You will see how consistent that turns out in the end.”

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