During the week of the OutGames the Lutheran Cathedral in central Copenhagen wrapped its portal columns in rainbow colors and offered services and prayers for the gay community. One of these services was a blessing ceremony for same-sex couples to receive hands-on approval from the catherdral’s clergy. Most (not all) of those who came forward to receive the sanction were not Danish, rather from countries where same-sex relationships are not recognized or legitimate or allowed. As a couple went to the altar and knelt down before a priest (there were four) the minister put a hand on each head and spoke gracious words of love and compassion. It was a touching scene for the couples and their friends and other congregants to be so openly acknowledged and affirmed. The gay-inclusive blessings came as Denmark celebrated the 20th anniversary of legally recognized civil unions for gay and lesbian couples.

Lutheran Cathedral wrapped in gay colors during Gay Pride and
Couples celebrated their blessing afterwards outside the cathedral.
Couples celebrated their blessing afterwards outside the cathedral with priest.
Couples celebrated their blessing afterwards outside the cathedral.
Couples celebrated their blessing afterwards outside the cathedral.
Couples celebrated their blessing afterwards outside the cathedral.
Danish-American couple consummate their blessing with a kiss.
Same-sex couples waiting in line for a blessing on their
Interior of the Lutheran Cathedral
Cathedral clergyman welcoming people with his bagpipe
Cathedral clergyman welcoming people with his bagpipe
Lutheran Cathedral wrapped in gay colors during Gay Pride and
Lutheran Cathedral wrapped in gay colors during Gay Pride and
Lutheran Cathedral wrapped in gay colors during Gay Pride and
Couples celebrated their blessing afterwards outside the cathedral.
Couples celebrated their blessing afterwards outside the cathedral with priest.
Couples celebrated their blessing afterwards outside the cathedral.
Couples celebrated their blessing afterwards outside the cathedral.
Couples celebrated their blessing afterwards outside the cathedral.
Danish-American couple consummate their blessing with a kiss.
Same-sex couples waiting in line for a blessing on their
Interior of the Lutheran Cathedral
Cathedral clergyman welcoming people with his bagpipe
Cathedral clergyman welcoming people with his bagpipe
Lutheran Cathedral wrapped in gay colors during Gay Pride and
Lutheran Cathedral wrapped in gay colors during Gay Pride and

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