Fürst insists children need a mother and a father

Same-sex civil partnerships are not the equivalent of marriage especially as far as adopting children is concerned, according to Bishop Gebhard Fürst of Rottenburg-Stuttgart, seen as one of Germany’s most liberal bishops, writes Christa Pongratz-Lippitt.

While he was against all forms of discrimination against homosexuals, and convinced they must be welcomed pastorally, he believed it “good and necessary” for a child to be brought up by a mother and a father. Being brought up by two fathers or two mothers would affect the child’s wellbeing, Bishop Fürst said.