Fault lines in German Catholicism III

Press Statement by the Network of Catholic Priests

"Celibacy is not theologically necessary" (Archbishop Zollitsch)

This was among the statements on 18.02. 2008 made by the Chairman of the German Bishops' Conference

The misleading statements by the Chairman of the German Bishops' Conference on the obligation to celibacy of Catholic priests (Spiegel, 18.02.2008) has reopened the discussion on this subject and given the public the impression that this issue is now up for re-negotiation. As the headline in the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung stated in its Monday edition "Zollitsch moves away from celibacy," (18.02. 2008). This external impact, the chairman of the Bishops’ Conference is responsible for as he has gone public on the matter.

The Network of Catholic Priests feels that the statements of His Excellency are "unhelpful" and not one that strengthens the identity of the Catholic priest - especially with regard to the young priests. The Bishop's thought games on the topic of "celibacy" unsettle the faithful and make the service of consecrated priest on the ground more difficult.

The Network of Catholic Priests has repeatedly pointed out that the so-called "co-operative pastoral work" propagated in the German Dioceses represents danger for the young priest: Priests are bound into these structures, which rob them of their duties as head of the parish and teacher of the Faith and lead them into the practical breakdown of the parochial principle.In our opinion, the obligation to a celibate way of life (which also priestly service to the most appropriate life form, see Second Vatican Council: PO 16) does not damage the young priest, but the dilution of the sacramental priesthood by (Cathcon- pseudo)-democratic organizational structures.

We feel a new round of the celibacy discussion to be diversionary and ask the Chairman of the German Bishops' Conference imploringly to raise the real problems of the Church in Germany.

The Panel of Spokesmen- All three Parochial Clergy

All this comes from when people forget that a priest acts in persona Christi- he is no longer a layman, but he is not Jesus Christ, just acting in his person. He should not be a President but a servant. There is the true balance will be found, not by clericalising the laity and laicising the clergy.

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