Bishops criticize German reform course: Way of repentance necessary!

Bishops criticize German reform course: Way of repentance necessary!

In a dramatic step after the world synod in Rome, four German bishops made a shocking explanation on Monday! Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki from Cologne as well as the bishops Gregor Maria Hanke (Eichstätt), Stefan Oster (Passau) and Rudolf Voderholzer (Regensburg) say their fundamental concerns about the reform discussions in Germany. These stand in strong contrast to the goals of the World Church Synodal process and throw a bright light on the tensions within the Catholic Church!

The bishops agree: the topics of the German church reform process, known as the "synodal path", and the results of the world synod do not go together! In particular, the explosive issues of celibacy and sexual morality were not even mentioned in the final document of the world synod. The discussion about the possible consecration of women also remains without new knowledge. Pope Francis has sharply criticized clericalism, but the bishops complain that the Rome Synod has followed a completely different way than the recent meeting in Frankfurt, where it was more about gathering a majority than spiritual distinction.

a call to reversal

In their explanation, the bishops emphasize the need to “reversed”. They hope that the synodal way in Germany can also be a way of repentance. Woelki, Hanke, Easter and Voderholzer are ready to get involved in the path initiated in Rome and call for cooperation with other bishops and church groups. They already see progress in the areas of transparency and accountability, but are calling for a deeper spiritual deepening and a stronger focus on mission.

The four bishops do not take part in the meetings of the synodal committee, which meets in December to further develop the reform initiatives. This committee will be crucial to establish a synodal advice in which bishops and laypersons jointly advise and decide on important domestic questions. The tension between the reform efforts in Germany and the world church goals remains high!