Transchurch ecclesiology. Synodalists think closed churches should become laboratories for their strange experiments on the human soul.

"Secularization 4.0: What will the church look like in 2045?

By 2045, only ten percent of the population in the Canton of Zurich will belong to one of the major denominations. Christianity will lose its guiding function. Theologian Regula Grünenfelder makes concrete suggestions. The churches should accept the loss of the sovereignty of interpretation. And help shape the future.

Studied at Harvard with Schüssler Fiorenza who rewrote Early Church history and the Bible to make them fit with the feminist narrative.  Just what the Church does not need.  

In 1970, 94 percent of the population of the Canton of Zurich still professed one of the major denominations. Today it is just under half. In 2045, it will probably be only ten percent. This is not a special case in Zurich, but a European trend. The churches are facing fundamental upheavals. On behalf of the Zurich cantonal church, theologian Regula Grünenfelder has prepared a discussion paper. In it she shows ways how things can go on.

Leading religion retreats...

In 20 years, the major denominations will be in the minority. The reasons for this development are well known: Demographic change, people leaving the church because of abuse scandals, secularization. It is also known that the churches will have to react. They cannot stop the "megatrends, the processes of transformation of society as a whole. They simply lack the influence to do so.

It is the first time in Western history that a leading religion has withdrawn without competition. Grünenfelder calls this "Secularization 4.0." What will be left behind are ecclesiastical spaces and monuments. Empty churches and extinct monasteries. But these spaces should also be used in the future. Because, Grünenfelder is sure: Religion and church will still be needed in the future. 

...leaving gaps

"In the structural break of individualization, globalization and digitalization, meaning and connectedness (...) are increasingly sought in shopping malls, sports palaces, social bubbles." These may satisfy short-term needs, but they cannot replace the transcendental. The result: "Loneliness and desolidarization, loss of meaning and disorientation increase." 

This is precisely where Grünenfelder locates the core task of tomorrow's churches. Church can and should provide shelter for "the transcendentally homeless." Even if it is still unclear what "the answer to secularization 4.0 will look like" - for the theologian it is clear that there will be numerous gaps in these areas, "which genuinely belong to the realm of religions".  

Vertical ecumenism - helping to shape what comes next

Grünenfelder proposes to take "vertical ecumenism" as a yardstick. She cites as an example the appreciative dialogue with the forerunners of modern Christianity. And calls for an openness to what is to come. 

Longing for peace: ecumenical prayer for peace in Bern Cathedral.

Generally speaking: Vertical ecumenism accepts that religion develops and changes. Grünenfelder does not see any "betrayal of Christianity" here. For Christianity itself could only come into being by opening up and changing.

Opening up in the phase of upheaval 

The current phase of upheaval is similar to that of early Christianity. The Jewish early Christians followed a niche religion. They existed in an environment that met them at best with incomprehension and alienation. In this environment, they could only survive through openness to the foreign, through "vertical ecumenism".

The major denominations must accept that they have reached the "end of their time as a leading religion". Instead of tearing each other apart in self-referential trench warfare, they should take responsibility. And co-create "the future transcendental shelter." Even if it will no longer be under their watch.

Transchurch ecclesiology and local church laboratories

Specifically, Grünenfelder proposes the creation of academic panels of experts. Ecclesiology could explore the end of the lead religion. And figure out "how the major denominations can communicate beyond themselves." In this work, he said, differences and similarities with other parts of the world would also come into play. 

Similar to how universities can specialize in material testing, a theological university of applied sciences should become a "hub for interdisciplinary, trans-church research." In Switzerland, there is a lack of institutional structures "on the part of the Catholic Church" that could conduct hands-on research "together with responsible persons and stakeholders."

Providing shelter in the future as well

Grünenfelder sees potential for action here. Just as in the creation of "church laboratories." Vacant parishes and churches should be actively used. Theologians, sociologists, space planners could use them as places to work. And work together with interested people from parishes and neighborhoods. 

The goal of ecclesiology and church labs is the same: After the end as a guiding religion, to explore needs and resources. For the future of transcendental sheltering.

Regula Grünenfelder: Church in Transition. Theological discussion paper on the Ecoplan study "Future of Church Finances. Catholic Church in the Canton of Zurich." Zug 2022.

Source

Cathcon:  Yet again, another example of the forces of secularisation coming from within the Church.  It is a perversion of the Church to turn her into a laboratory for unregulated experiments on the human soul.