The outfits at Christopher Street Day in Munich were colourful, cheerful and very imaginative, just like the whole parade. The appearance of Wolfgang Rothe was particularly unusual, even if he appeared all in black.
Munich (dpa/lby) – The Catholic clergyman Wolfgang Rothe showed the flag at Christopher Street Day in Munich: With black pants, a black shirt, a white priest’s collar and a rainbow flag, Rothe ran on Saturday at the CSD’s political parade, which was attended by around 140 groups with lavishly decorated floats. “For my part, I would like to ask forgiveness for what was done to queer people in our church,” said Rothe, who is vicar in a Munich parish, before the move to the German Press Agency. “I fully share the goals of the CSD”.
According to the police, more than 25,000 people paraded through Munich in pleasant summer temperatures, many in colorful, imaginative costumes. They danced to the music and carried flags, banners, balloons – or umbrellas to protect them 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 around Marienplatz, including a drag show, concert performances and commemorations of the victims of the war in Ukraine and the victims of HIV and AIDS. More than 350,000 people celebrated there on Saturday, and the festival should continue on Sunday.
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 under the motto
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.”
