A leading German prelate has ignited renewed controversy by suggesting that Catholic teaching on sexual morality could be revised “for the sake of the people” without abandoning what he described as the “core of Catholicism.”
According to LifeSiteNews, Bishop Georg Bätzing made the remarks during a press conference at the opening of the German Bishops’ Conference spring plenary assembly in Würzburg. While affirming his fidelity to the Church, Bätzing stated, “I stand by the teachings of the Catholic Church. That is my Church.” Yet he also indicated openness to doctrinal development in the area of sexual ethics, saying such teaching can be “changed for the sake of the people” while preserving the Church’s essential identity.
Bätzing, who previously served as head of the German Bishops’ Conference from 2020 until 2026 and remains bishop of Limburg, has long been associated with the German Synodal Way. He described that initiative as seeking “genuine participation of the faithful in all actions and decisions in the Church,” along with “much greater participation of women at all levels,” and renewed consideration of “the Church’s sexual morality,” according to LifeSiteNews.
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The bishop argued that the Church’s current teaching on sexuality is “largely ineffective in its current form,” explaining that “people, Catholics, simply ignore it and live their lives.” He said he has heard from many who find the Christian understanding of the human person and sexuality deeply meaningful, but who believe it must be expressed differently today. As quoted by LifeSiteNews, he referenced “the Christian Church’s view of humanity, its view of partnership, its view of sexuality,” and suggested it should be taken up positively “not simply as it exists, but in appreciation for life, ways of life, lifestyles, sexual orientations that are simply given to people by their nature – and I say: by their Creator.”
His comments come amid ongoing debate over the German Synodal Way’s proposals, including support for the “blessing” of same-sex unions and calls for a “Magisterial Reassessment of Homosexuality,” as well as discussion of the sacramental ordination of “female deacons,” according to LifeSiteNews.
The broader cultural debate over sexuality has also extended into scientific discussions. LifeSiteNews noted that a large-scale 2019 study examining the possibility of a single genetic cause for same-sex attraction concluded, “It will be basically impossible to predict one’s sexual activity or orientation just from genetics.” The study found that environmental factors such as family, community, religion, and other life conditions played a significant role, and that no single “gay gene” could be identified.
Bishop Bätzing was succeeded this week as head of the German Bishops’ Conference by Bishop Heiner Wilmer of Hildesheim, who is also described by LifeSiteNews as supportive of the German Synodal Way.
The controversy highlights an ongoing tension within the Church in Germany and beyond: how to address contemporary cultural questions while remaining faithful to what the Church has consistently taught about human sexuality and the moral life.
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