Although only a small minority of L.G.B.T. Catholics will ever seek conversion therapy, the assumptions underlying that therapy often influence the message many gay Catholics hear in the confessional and from friends and mentors.

On Sunday, Father Jan Korditschke will hold a ceremony at a Jesuit parish in Berlin for any couple, gay or straight, who seeks a blessing from the church.

German Catholics will bless same-sex unions at about 100 different services all over the country this week.

My mom and I have dedicated ourselves to loving each other as parent and child and as children of God. I believe Monica and Augustine did the same—even when they were at odds over Augustine’s sexual behavior.

Catholic chaplains in parishes across Germany plan to invite people to “blessing services for lovers” on and around May 10.

The documentary, produced by Martin Scorsese, follows Father James Martin and his ministry to L.G.B.T. Catholics.