German Catholic priest resigns after 37 years to marry long-term partner

A Catholic priest in Germany has resigned from his parish after 37 years to marry his long-term partner, citing his inability to uphold the celibacy vow required by the church. Andreas Unfried, 63, announced on the website of St. Ursula parish in Oberursel and Steinbach that he would step down to wed the woman with whom he has shared his life for years. “The reason is that I will get married,” Unfried wrote, adding that he had informed Bishop Georg Bätzing of Limburg of his decision .

Bishop Bätzing suspended Unfried immediately upon learning of the relationship, according to diocese spokesman Stephan Schnelle. Schnelle told the Deutsche Presse-Agentur that the bishop had no prior knowledge of the secret partnership and described the revelation as “very surprising for all” . The diocese stated it respected Unfried’s personal choice and thanked him for his decades of service, while noting that such cases, though rare after so many years, do occur .

Unfried, who was ordained in 1989, acknowledged in his statement that he had attempted to live by the celibacy requirement but concluded, “I must recognize that I do not truly possess this charisma.” He expressed gratitude to his partner, saying, “She has waited a long time for me. For that, I am very grateful. Now it is enough” . The priest also noted that his partner had recently retired, prompting his decision to rebalance his priorities.

The resignation carries financial consequences for Unfried, as he will transition from a church pension to a standard retirement plan, Schnelle confirmed . Unfried intends to request laicization from the Vatican, which would formally end his clerical status. In the interim, a retired priest will temporarily oversee St. Ursula parish while the diocese advertises for a permanent replacement .

The Diocese of Limburg has not previously encountered a comparable case involving a priest of Unfried’s tenure, Schnelle said. Catholic priests are bound by the church’s celibacy rule, which prohibits marriage and sexual relations. Unfried’s departure follows his 16 years leading the Oberursel and Steinbach congregation, part of his 37-year career in the priesthood . He asked for understanding from his parishioners, stating he would not respond to emails or calls during the transition .