BERLIN (AP) — The Diocese of Essen became the first in Germany to allow women to perform baptisms due to a lack of priests.
In the statement of the diocese, it is reported that Bishop Franz-Joseph Overbeck allowed 18 laity — 17 of them women — to perform baptisms on weekends.
Until now, baptisms could only be performed by priests and deacons, positions reserved for men by the Catholic Church.
“Over the past 2000 years, the Church has repeatedly responded to external circumstances,” says Theresa Colmeyer, Director of the Diocesan Department of Faith, Liturgy and Culture.
Initially, this measure will be temporary and will be in effect for a period of three years.
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