The German Catholic Days in Würzburg are marked by strong emphasis on strong emphasis on climate protection, gender issues, and queer-themed programming this year, reflecting a significant shift in focus compared to earlier editions of the event.
The gathering takes place from Wednesday to Sunday and is expected to attract around 30,000 participants, with more than 900 events scheduled across the city. This year’s motto, “Be courageous!,” is presented by organizers as a call to engagement in public life, though the concept of courage is framed primarily in socio-political rather than religious terms.
According to the official programme materials, central themes include the “climate crisis” and the “endangered democracy,” alongside a wide range of discussions on social change, activism, and public debate. Traditional theological concepts such as sin, repentance, forgiveness, and eternal life appear to receive comparatively limited attention. Instead, initiatives include “climate fundraising” and simulation games on “right-wing extremism.”
Reports claim that Jesus Christ is mentioned only once in the entire programme booklet, in connection with an international church music performance.
One of the most debated elements of the event is the transformation of a Marian chapel into a “democracy church,” intended as an interactive space focused on social cohesion and public dialogue. The programme includes workshops and discussions that are political forums more than religious gatherings.
Among the scheduled activities are sessions on gender-sensitive language, postcolonial interpretations of prayer, and workshops presenting the Bible through queer perspectives. One event is titled “Bible queer read. Why G*d is a fan of diversity,” while others explore the idea of the Bible as an “empowerment book for queer people.”
A further event is titled “Gender-sensitive language in the Second Testament. Talking about God beyond traditional role models,” while another session focuses on “queer traces in the Bible,” which are explored through interactive formats such as a mystery-style dinner.
The children’s programme also includes references to gender-related topics, including a discussion circle for parents and children from so-called “rainbow families,” a term used to describe families that do not follow the traditional understanding of marriage between a man and a woman as defined by the Catholic Church, but instead include, for example, same-sex partnerships.
Political figures are also present at the event. Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier opened the Catholic Days, while Friedrich Merz is scheduled to take part in a youth panel discussion under the theme “Shaping the Future Together.”
The state of Bavaria alone is paying 3 million euros of taxpayers’ money for this ‘Catholic’ event.
