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Bishops distance themselves: German Synodal Path under criticism!
Four bishops criticize the German synodal path and emphasize the discrepancy with the results of the world synod in Rome.
Bishops distance themselves: German Synodal Path under criticism!
Drama in the Catholic Church! The four (arch)bishops Gregor Maria Hanke (Eichstätt), Rainer Maria Woelki (Cologne), Stefan Oster (Passau) and Rudolf Voderholzer (Regensburg) have once again taken a clear position on the controversial German Synodal Path in a shocking statement. In their press release on the World Synod, they accuse the German synods of having pursued a “parliamentary-like process of simply obtaining a majority” instead of making spiritual distinctions. They criticize the fact that a liberal majority in the room wanted to push through their issues under massive pressure, which led to irritation and injuries.
The bishops are particularly disappointed by the differences with the world synod in Rome. While the German synods identified four main causes of church abuse, including celibacy and sexual morality, these are missing from the Roman final document. In addition, there are no new developments regarding the participation of women in the sacramental ministry. The discussion about clericalism is only answered in the Roman document with a draft of a common spiritual path for the church. This discrepancy is not only frustrating for the bishops, but also raises questions about the future direction of the church.
A sneaking no to the Synodal Committee
Although the bishops do not explicitly reject the Synodal Committee in their statement, they emphasize that the goals of the German Synodal Way and the universal church process do not coincide. However, they are ready to set out with other bishops and church groups to strengthen the church in Germany together. The focus is on the vision of a listening church in which many people are invited to participate. The bishops see their task as improving the existing opportunities and aligning them more with the mission.
Tension remains high as the Catholic Church in Germany faces a crucial fork in the road. What will become of the Synodal Way? The next steps could be crucial for the future of the church!