The path to reform in the Catholic Church in Germany is difficult. The Vatican is following the project with suspicion, and there is also criticism here. Berlin’s archbishop still wants to continue.
Berlin’s Archbishop Heiner Koch does not see the path of cautious reforms in the Catholic Church in Germany in danger, despite criticism from Rome. “I am firmly convinced that the synodal path is not over,” said Koch in an interview with dpa.
The greater involvement of lay people – i.e. non-clergy – is a path that Pope Francis himself has called for. He encouraged learning from one another in order to shape the church so that it can fulfill its mission of carrying the Gospel into the world.
Koch emphasized that the reform process, which was started a few years ago as a result of the abuse scandal, did not endanger the unity of the church. “We want to do this in unity with the Holy Father, with the Church around the world,” he said. “So I don’t know anyone who wants to give up this unit.”
Koch: We have to explain the reform process better
However, German bishops and laypeople would have to explain this path in more detail in Rome. “I would say there was too little communication,” Koch said self-critically. “We realized that we had to explain our motives and our situation much better, in Rome, but also in our neighboring countries such as Poland.”
He is grateful that things are now improving, said Koch, referring to a meeting of representatives of the German Bishops’ Conference (DBK) and the Curia a week ago in the Vatican. “The conversations from last week are encouraging.”
The DBK and the Vatican had agreed to talk to each other more and more regularly. According to a subsequent communication, the German bishops agreed to develop “concrete forms of synodality” that are in accordance with the requirements of canon law and the results of the world synod. The result should be submitted to the Holy See for approval.
Dispute over the Synodal Committee
Recently, the contentious issue of church reform caused great irritation. The bone of contention is the German Catholics’ plans to establish a so-called Synodal Committee. This is intended to prepare a synodal council in which bishops advise and make decisions together with Catholic lay representatives. What exactly that should look like is still unclear.
The Vatican considers this to be incompatible with Catholic canon law and argues that the power to make decisions is essentially reserved for ordained bishops. Four of the 27 German diocesan bishops also do not support the project.
Koch calls debate about reforms an “objective necessity”
“Certainly some people in Germany and beyond are unfamiliar with the synodal path, and they see some things that are threatening. But recognizing that and talking about it is part of this path,” said Koch. Because: “We develop the path as we go. We don’t know exactly where it will lead us right from the start.”
But it is an objective necessity for bishops and laypeople to discuss together how things should proceed. “This is the only way we can do justice to people. We have an obligation, both to the church and to people,” said the archbishop.
Different considerations also among bishops
“Of course there are different perceptions and considerations among us bishops,” added Koch. “And that’s a good thing. If you want open dialogue in the church, then you have to live with these differences.”
The Synodal Committee should consist of bishops, lay representatives of the Central Committee of German Catholics (ZdK) and other people. It is one of the most important results of the Synodal Path reform process that started in 2019. According to the DBK, the committee is scheduled to meet in Mainz in mid-June.
Source: Stern
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