Catholic leaders address lay preaching in Germany and LGBT education in Japan

In Germany, Bishop Peter Kohlgraf of Mainz has addressed the Vatican’s rejection of a request to allow laypeople to preach during Mass in exceptional cases. While Kohlgraf noted that the Vatican’s reasoning regarding the exclusivity of priestly preaching is “not entirely consistent,” he stated that the Diocese of Mainz will abide by Church directives. However, he acknowledged that lay preaching has become customary in some parishes and indicated he would not intervene disciplinarily or sanction the practice, even though he cannot officially permit it under canon law.

In Japan, Cardinal Isao Kikuchi, the Archbishop of Tokyo, expressed support for the Japanese government’s new initiative to promote education regarding LGBT-identifying individuals. The plan, stemming from the 2023 LGBT Understanding Promotion Act, aims to establish guidelines for schools, businesses, and governments. Cardinal Kikuchi described the policy as “meaningful” for deepening understanding, while distinguishing between the psychological aspects of sexual minorities and the Catholic Church’s ethical teachings on morality.