Bishop complains about those who live in special world as he creates his own Mainz reality
Mainz bishop Peter Kohlgraf considers it a major challenge not to allow training in seminaries to take place "in a special world" that has nothing to do with the reality of society. "There is no longer a classic career path. The paths to the priesthood have become very individual," said the pastor on Thursday evening at an international ecumenical historians' conference, as the Diocese announced on Thursday. The challenge applies especially against the background of the recently published Mainz Abuse Study.
Training paths would have to be designed more individually, said Kohlgraf. Admittedly, there have been many changes in recent years. However, "we still have too much of a standard model in training". In the Mainz seminary, on the other hand, all pastoral groups have been trained for years. It is also difficult that priestly images from earlier centuries are still present today. However, the reflection on the image of the priest is a good sign. "Nowadays, the pastor must not only be pious, but also expose himself to critical discussions," says Kohlgraf. One is currently at the beginning of inserting synodal aspects into the understanding of leadership. The first experiences showed "that working in teams is a relief for many". The development of pastoral care standards is particularly necessary against the background of sexualised violence.
At the beginning of the month, the abuse study for the Diocese of Mainz was presented. She names misconduct by the late Cardinal Karl Lehmann and other Bishops. Since 1945 there have been 392 accused and 657 victims.
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