Fault lines in German Catholicism 1
Association of Catholic Associations loyal to the Pope - Press Statement
The Chairman of the Bishops’ Conference should not comment in a party political manner because the parties are as changeable as society itself and follow electoral considerations. The church and its officials should based themselves on ethical principles and judge the party manifestos and positions by these principles. That is exactly what is missing here.
As for the ecumenism, Rome has given clear guidelines. These include, inter alia, the statement that the Protestant church communities cannot claim the status of "church". Because Archbishop Zollitsch states publicly those communities have the status of "church", this undermines the unity of the Catholic Church.
The ZpV wonders who the opinions cited above serve. The new Chairman Zollitsch, has not served the interests of the Catholic Church.
The newly elected chairman of the German Bishops' Conference, Archbishop Dr Robert Zollitsch has in an interview with Spiegel Online, 16 Feb. 2008 on the emotive issues of today's society expressed his personal opinion.
The Association of Catholic Associations loyal to the Pope negatively judges these critical comments. On the subject of celibacy, Archbishop Zollitsch advocates "no prohibitions against thinking" and believes "the connection between the priesthood and celibacy" to be "not theologically necessary." This position, the new chairman of the Bishops’ Conference opens up no new perspectives, but stokes emotions, which are in no way helpful. He even saids that a "farewell celibacy," is "a revolution, in which a part of the church would not participate". For this he would, however, as chief representative of the German bishops in a special way be responsible.
We believe that his statements on "kindergarten" as outrageous. With his "scolding of colleagues" Archbishop Zollitsch is a worthy successor to his predecessor, Cardinal Lehmann, who had his own ritual of calling his independent brethren back to reason by issuing public corrections of his colleagues. No one doubts the need for child care services for special family situations. First of all, however we would have expected and required that the Chairman of the Bishops’ Conference acts
clearly for the legitimate interests of families and children.
We believe that his statements on "kindergarten" as outrageous. With his "scolding of colleagues" Archbishop Zollitsch is a worthy successor to his predecessor, Cardinal Lehmann, who had his own ritual of calling his independent brethren back to reason by issuing public corrections of his colleagues. No one doubts the need for child care services for special family situations. First of all, however we would have expected and required that the Chairman of the Bishops’ Conference acts
clearly for the legitimate interests of families and children.
The Chairman of the Bishops’ Conference should not comment in a party political manner because the parties are as changeable as society itself and follow electoral considerations. The church and its officials should based themselves on ethical principles and judge the party manifestos and positions by these principles. That is exactly what is missing here.
As for the ecumenism, Rome has given clear guidelines. These include, inter alia, the statement that the Protestant church communities cannot claim the status of "church". Because Archbishop Zollitsch states publicly those communities have the status of "church", this undermines the unity of the Catholic Church.
The ZpV wonders who the opinions cited above serve. The new Chairman Zollitsch, has not served the interests of the Catholic Church.
Source
Cathcon- at least, the election of Pope Benedict has put Rome firmly on the right side of this divide, but even a short reading of Church history would tell anyone that this is hardly surprising, and given Her Divine establishment and guarantees of Her constitution
Cathcon- at least, the election of Pope Benedict has put Rome firmly on the right side of this divide, but even a short reading of Church history would tell anyone that this is hardly surprising, and given Her Divine establishment and guarantees of Her constitution
.jpeg)
Comments