Synodal Path presents clear and present danger of schism
Danger of a "church split"
The Maria 1.0 initiative sees the Synodal Way to the Future of the Catholic Church in Germany at an end. One of the main goals of the dialogue, its continuation, has been forbidden by the highest church authorities.
This was explained by spokesperson Clara Steinbrecher on Saturday. Nevertheless, the objections from Rome were "smiled at or dismissed as a marginal note" by those responsible. There is a "danger of a repeated schism from Germany".
For this reason, the Bishops must now set an example "and speak out in frankness and truth", Steinbrecher demanded, shortly before the spring plenary meeting of the bishops. The meeting begins on Monday in Dresden.
Consultations since 2019
Since 2019, the German Catholic bishops and the Central Committee of German Catholics (ZdK) have been discussing possible reforms in the Church. The starting point is a years-long church crisis that the abuse scandal has exacerbated. From 9 to 11 March, the last plenary meeting of the Synodal Way is to take place in Frankfurt.
It is planned to continue the talks within the framework of a Synodal Council composed of bishops and lay people. A Synodal Committee is to prepare the new body.
In mid-January, a Vatican letter became known that puts a stop to these efforts. Neither the Synodal Way, nor a body appointed by it, nor a national bishops' conference are authorised to set up a Synodal Council. Such a body would curtail the authority of the bishops. Moreover, German bishops are not obliged to participate in a Synodal Council.
Maria 1.0
Johanna Stöhr, a teacher from Schongau, launched the Maria 1.0 campaign in May 2019 as a reaction to the Maria 2.0 movement, which had developed from Münster into a nationwide wave of protest including a "church strike" against a male-dominated Catholic Church and for women's access to ordained ministry. Stöhr believes that "Mary does not need an update". She wants to show "that there are also women who are faithful to the teachings of the Church".
Evangelisation must be the guiding criterion par excellence, "under which we can recognise all the steps we are called to take as an ecclesial community", said Stöhr. Evangelisation is the real and essential mission of the Church. There are many examples of successful new ways of proclaiming the Gospel in German-speaking countries, where the future of the Church is already being shaped today.
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