In a display of defiance against the conservative Archbishop of Cologne, several Catholic priests have blessed same-sex couples outside Cologne Cathedral in Germany.
The protest followed criticism by Cologne church officials of a priest who had previously held a "blessing ceremony for lovers," including same-sex couples, an act the Vatican does not sanction.
The event attracted several hundred people, with around 30 couples, both same-sex and heterosexual, receiving blessings.
Attendees waved rainbow flags and sang Beatles’ hit "All You Need Is Love".
This is the latest in a series of rebellious actions by progressive believers in Germany's most populous diocese amidst allegations that Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki may have covered up reports of clerical sexual abuse.
