New Auxiliary Bishop Friday: Figure Power and Kirchenbänke in focus!

New Auxiliary Bishop Friday: Figure Power and Kirchenbänke in focus!

Steiermark, Österreich - On May 1, Johannes Freitag was consecrated as the new auxiliary bishop of Styria. Friday brings a breath of fresh air to the diocese at the age of 52. In a conversation, he said positively about the full pews on Palm Sunday and the possibilities that the church offers itself through a committed community life. On Friday, Friday wants a clarifying discussion to reduce tensions and promote dialogue through the controversial Pöllauberger "Riot Pastor". He gradually gets used to his new salutation as "Mr. Aweihbischof" or "Bishop Johannes", which he prefers the formal name "Excellence".

The consecration itself is not under the sign of nervousness for Friday. Rather, he feels strengthened by the support of many people. When preparing for his inauguration, he expresses his confidence that competent people will contribute to the successful design of the celebrations. This shows his willingness to address the challenges of his new role.

The role of women in the church

A central point for the future of the Catholic Church, according to Bishop Georg Bätzing, chairman of the German Bishops' Conference, is the role of women. He sees the question of more rights for women as crucial to increase the attractiveness of the church. In the diocese of Limburg, women already have responsibility at all management levels, and Bätzing is advised that women can also work in sacramental offices of priests and deacons.

The world synod in the Vatican left the topic of the Diakonate open for women, which means that regional solutions are necessary for many church issues. This concern will be promoted in the coming months by further discussions between German bishops and representatives of the Roman Curia. Bätzing emphasizes that the question of equality in the church is not only a spiritual but also social nature and it is important to present good arguments in the debate.

In another, associated topic, Bätzing commented on the abortion debate in which the Catholic Church was less heard in recent years. He admits that the credibility crisis through the abuse scandal has contributed to burdening the discussion. Nevertheless, he rejects a change in the legal situation in abortion and criticizes a new draft law in the Bundestag as not capable of approval. Bätzing calls for a factual participation in the debate and praises the helpful advice of Catholic associations, including Donum Vitae.