Two bishops have now spoken out in favor of considering some form of benediction for gay and lesbian couples.

“We are losing three generations of people, and we need to hear why,” said Bishop Mark O’Connell.

Leading Democrats and LGBT groups immediately denounced the move, saying "conscience protections" could become a license to discriminate, particularly against gay and transgender people.

In the fall, the first gay weddings were conducted in Germany, following a June 30 vote by the parliament to allow full same-sex marriage.

A Roman Catholic priest in Milwaukee has come out as gay, writing that he will no longer live in the shadows of secrecy and plans to be authentic to his gay self.