German Bishops publish plans to change Catholic Church beyond recognition

The first phase of the worldwide synodal process is drawing to a close. Now the German contribution has also been published - including the demand for a clear position of the bishops on controversial topics such as a re-evaluation of sexual morality or access to church offices.

In its summary of diocesan feedback on the worldwide synodal process, the German Bishops' Conference (DBK) stresses the importance of renewing the Church should become more credible. "In order to restore trust in the Church, there is a need for a clear positioning of the bishops on the pressing enquiries of this time, such as equal access for all the baptised to Church offices, a reassessment in sexual morality and a non-discriminatory treatment of homosexual and queer people," it says at the end of the report published on Friday. With regard to the abuse scandal in the church, there is also a need for a clear assumption of responsibility, control of power and an attempt to make amends to those affected. 

"A synodal Church can only succeed if the assumption of responsibility by all the faithful and their participation in decisions at parish and diocesan level is possible."

Catholics in Germany look "with hope to the Synodal Path of the universal Church," the document says. "They regard this path as a good opportunity to contribute, on the one hand, their own synodal experiences, but also, on the other hand, the insights gained in the process about necessary further steps of the Church on its pilgrimage through time." The number of faithful in the dioceses who participated in the surveys on the worldwide synodal process, however, was in the lowest single-digit percentage range, the DBK states. However, all groups of committed believers were represented.

Some disappointed by synodality, others reject it, the majority long for it

With regard to synodal processes, there is a certain ambivalence. "Some are so disappointed that they no longer expect anything from a newly-invoked synodality. Others reject it and want everything to stay the same," the document says. The vast majority, however, long for a "comprehensive culture of synodality characterised by openness, empathy and authenticity and a spirituality of walking together".

Despite the synodal structures that have been created, such as parish councils or Catholic councils, the number of those who actively participate in parish life has declined overall in recent decades. "While the vast majority of church members show little interest in actively participating in the life of the church, a large proportion of lay people who are committed to the church consider the existing opportunities to help shape the church to be insufficient."

The report of the German Bishops' Conference on the World Synod of Bishops 2023.

Here you can find the summary of the diocesan feedback on the worldwide synodal process in text form.

On the report

In addition, the Church is often perceived as a "defining and not listening institution". An important result of a synodal process is therefore to develop a "culture of listening and perceiving". The Eucharist has lost its significance for many believers, so more diversity in alternative and traditional forms of worship is desired, as well as liturgical celebrations of baptism and marriage by lay people.

In practice, many committed believers would feel thwarted in their responsibility for the mission. Decisions are made "from above", which leads to a loss of charismas, commitment and enthusiasm. Especially women, young people and volunteers complain about their lack of participation: "We don't want decisions to be made only about us, but with us. In specific terms, for example, the participation of women with voting rights in the World Synod of Bishops is demanded.

Topics of the Synodal Path should be discussed in the World Synod of Bishops

The report also explains the background and the organisational form of the Synodal Path in Germany, which is aimed at "enabling the participation of committed Catholics and the inclusion of existing expertise, while at the same time respecting the decision-making competence of the bishops, which is indispensable from an ecclesiological and canonical point of view". The goal is to eliminate the systemic causes of abuse and thus to be able to credibly proclaim the Gospel again in the future. In doing so, continuity with doctrine and the communion of the universal Church must be preserved. Overall, the synodal assemblies met with a broad response in the ecclesiastical and extra-ecclesiastical public, "but the resonance in the congregations is rather low".  The feedback from the dioceses, however, wanted the topics of the Synodal Path in Germany to be brought into the World Synod of Bishops as "important local church concerns". This would be a prerequisite for a new credibility of the Church in Germany and its mission.

The 13-page report is a summary of the feedback from the 27 German (arch)dioceses and the Catholic Military Bishops' Office on the ten questions of the worldwide synodal process. The process serves to prepare for the 2023 World Synod of Bishops on Synodality. The diocesan phase will last until mid-August.