Documentary "How God Created Us" Receives Catholic Media Award

The Catholic Church has been the subject of repeated criticism lately. Negative headlines appear again and again, which, among other things, have also led to a high number of people leaving the church.

Sometimes it is about abuse scandals, sometimes about discrimination against queer people. Although Pope Francis himself occasionally speaks positively about the community, because these people are also "children of God" and "have a right to family," there are still many people within the Catholic Church who speak out against the blessing of queer couples, for example.

But there is also positive news that shows that not everyone is averse to a rethink. Because: The Catholic Church has handed over its media prize for this year to the makers of the documentary "How God Created Us". The prize money of 5,000 euros will be divided among the participants.

Documentary receives Catholic Media Award

"As God created us" - a documentary leads to the movement

The documentary "As God Created Us" shows many members and employees who believe Catholic, but are also queer. Thus, numerous homosexual, bisexual and transsexual believers show themselves in front of the camera and prove that faith and queerness can definitely be combined. A total of 120 people show themselves so openly in the context of the documentary.

They talk about their lives as believers, Catholics, and how faith is compatible with their sexuality.

It was precisely this that not only generated media attention, but also the #OutInChurch movement. Since the documentary crossed the screen on January 24, the action gathered momentum and discussions about queer members in the faith community were reignited.

Tolerance in times of discrimination

The Catholic Church in Germany reserves the right to remove employees from office because of their sexual orientation. But individual districts and bishops are calling for more tolerance towards the faithful ..., And regardless of who they love.

So it was also stated in the official statement a decision of the Catholic Media Award. People have consciously decided to participate in the church, although they are discriminated against by many members here. Auxiliary bishop Matthäus Karrer finds fitting words for the documentary. It is deeply touching, shocking and stirring.

But what effect did the publication of the documentary have on the contributors? After all, they may theoretically be dismissed because of their sexuality. In fact, many are fortunate that the parish and the bishop stand behind them and therefore they can continue to practice their profession.

Now there have been repeated calls for a reform of Catholic labor law. In this way, those affected are to be even better protected.

What is the role of the Synodal Way?

The Synodal Way was adopted by some bishops in 2019. It is intended to help find a common solution to many problems that exist between the congregation and the Church.

An important point here is the lifting of the ban on blessing same-sex couples. For the traditional Catholic Church, this would be a big step.

However, the Synodal Way also does not provide for any changes regarding same-sex marriage. This means that also in the future same-sex couples would not receive the holy sacrament of marriage.

The Vatican has already let it be known that it will object to the Synodal Way. Freely according to the motto: "Everything remains as it is".

And this is exactly what the #OutInChurch movement wants to fight against, so that sometime in the future every child of God will be treated equally.

 

Heard the news? Tevin Campbell has come out as gay.

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