Synodal Path votes for Catholic priesthood to survive
German "Synodal Way" sticks to Catholic priesthood
Cathcon: as if the splendour of the priesthood can be decided on pseudo-democratic whim. These Synodalists demand a price in the currency of power in return for the grace of their approval. The priesthood cannot depend for its existence on the grace and favour of synodalists. As if they have the power to abolish the priesthood!
Adopted basic text emphasizes the importance of the ordained ministry for sacramental service and proclamation, but warns against the abandonment of "corporate elements"
The Synodal Path of the Catholic Church in Germany sticks to ordained priests in the sense of the Catholic tradition. The fifth plenary assembly of the synodal path adopted a basic theological text on Thursday in Frankfurt, which states: "In order for this message (of the holiness of God) to be proclaimed, the church needs priests." The job of the priests is to convey the divine mystery. The sacramental service of the ordained ministry belongs "to the 'essence' of the Catholic".
The first text adopted at this Plenary session received a majority of more than 88 percent of the total of 201 votes cast. Of the bishops, 77 percent voted in favour; 93 percent of the women and various participants voted yes.
The paper warns that the "deep meaning of the sacramental priesthood" can only be gained if the "corporate elements that have shaped this profession up to now" are abandoned. The theologically demanding text deals in detail with the question of what distinguishes the ordained priesthood in the Catholic Church from the general priesthood of the faithful. The text says: "Apart from his sacramental actions, the priestly existence does not differ from that of all believers." And further: "This service to the people of God does not justify any higher dignity or holiness (...) In the Church, the functions do not justify the superiority of one over the other".
The text thus speaks out against so-called clericalism, which is considered one of the causes of sexual abuse in the church. In the question of compulsory celibacy and the possible admission of women to the priesthood, the text advocates further examination. Among other things, it says: "There is a danger that the celibate way of life will lead to a marginalization if the symbolic nature of large parts of God's people is no longer supported."
The debate about the basic text entitled "Priestly Existence Today" caused a great deal of controversy at earlier synodal assemblies because it raised the fundamental question of the meaning of the priesthood in the Catholic Church.
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