Theologian admits: “We are reforming the church – while the world is reeling”. Another Synodalist who wants to destroy the Priesthood.
Paul Zulehner: “We are reforming the church – while the world is reeling”
The Church focuses too much on its own problems, says pastoral theologian Paul M. Zulehner. Right now, the world needs resources for hope - the Church could be the source. But change is also needed within the church. Crypto-clericalism must be overcome and women must be given equal rights.
Cathcon: Synodalism is the reason that the Church is focussed on her own problems.
In your new book “Passion for the World” you describe at the beginning that you as a pastoral theologian are beset by a nightmare. What does this one look like?
Paul M. Zulehner*: My concern is that the Church will reform successfully, but at the same time the reeling world will collapse. War is raging around the world: in Israel, Syria, Mali, Afghanistan, Ukraine. The climate emergency is threatening our nature; we are approaching irreversible tipping points. Migration is increasing massively. And in this dramatic time, the Church is dealing with itself. I find this church implosion fatal. Jesus wanted to bring heaven on earth - the church must stand for that.
“The only prayer that was said at the service was for Ukraine.”
Is this a criticism of the Synod currently taking place in Rome?
Zulehner: Indirect. I followed the Continental Assembly in Prague intensively and compared the topics with those in the European Parliament. The climate emergency, the migration crisis and the war in Ukraine were discussed in parliament. In Prague, on the other hand, topics such as women's priesthood and celibacy were at stake. At the service, only an intercession for Ukraine was said.
What are you demanding?
Zulehner: We have to dig deeper into the Council and, as a church, put the world first, taking “Gaudium et Spes” and “Dei Verbum” as models. The church is God-forgetful and self-obsessed. I desire that we be God's partisans of hope for the world. So that the world becomes fairer and more peaceful. We do not need to save the church through time through structural reforms, but rather share in God's passion for the world.
How do you view the Synod?
Zulehner: All the questions about celibacy, women's priesthood and sexual morality will not be decided at the Synod. But I hope that the coming decentralization and inculturation will create good conditions for this. What is then needed is intra-Catholic ecumenism, unity in diversity. This would be useful in dialogue with other denominations and religions.
Cathcon: Hollow words about intra-Catholic ecumenism given the attacks on Latin Mass communities
Democracies are at risk. At the same time, Pope Francis emphasizes that the Church is not a democracy or a parliament. Do you see this as a danger?
Zulehner: His statements are unintentionally counterproductive. The church has the same basic values as a democracy. I advise not to complain so much about democracies, because the right-wing movements want to steal them from us.
“It depends on our commitment to bring the tumbling world into balance.”
What should the Pope say instead?
Zulehner: He could say: “We are not a democracy, but we have democratic rules.” This includes a courageous culture of debate in which everyone can vote - that wouldn't be mindless. By assuming that there is spiritual power in the church and that it therefore cannot be a parliamentary assembly, Pope Francis assumes that there is no spirit of God at work in parliament. This is not theologically permissible.
What does the world particularly need in those days?
Zulehner: The world needs resources for hope in view of the many crises. Fear is increasing, which is leading to a loss of solidarity. Fear causes nationalism and violence. We as a church, together with world religions and people of goodwill, can be an important source of hope in the world. What matters is our commitment to bringing the tumbling world right.
What if the Church doesn't find solutions to these questions?
Zulehner: Pope Francis is concerned with the core questions of the world. He constantly seeks dialogue to contribute to peace. Cares for creation and demands universal brotherhood. If what the Pope stands for prevails, I am very hopeful.
What are the most pressing questions facing the Church and the world?
Zulehner: There are overlapping topics, for example in the areas of justice or equality. Children need protection because they are being abused sexually or as child soldiers. It is time for the church to act as a global lobby for women. The church must recognize that the way it currently deals with women does not do them justice.
Pope Francis appoints women to high positions.
Zulehner: There are overlapping topics, for example in the areas of justice or equality. Children need protection because they are being abused sexually or as child soldiers. It is time for the church to act as a global lobby for women. The Church must recognize that the way it currently deals with women does not do them justice.
Pope Francis appoints women to high positions.
Zulehner: The key question is women and power. If women can be baptized, they represent not the carpenter from Nazareth, but the risen Christ. Because in the resurrection Jesus became Christ. When the Church excludes women from ordination, it clashes with the gospel. It shows that theology has not been fully meditated on.
You write that Catholic once had the feeling of space. Isn't that the case anymore?
Zulehner: Until the Reformation, “Catholic” was all-encompassing because it was about God and the world. Then it was all about God and the Catholics. The Catholic went from being universal to being denominational. But the risen Christ is universal, so the Church must be too.
“Europe is not godless.”
You say time is of the essence. Why does the church have to renew itself quickly from its own sources?
Zulehner: Over time, all religions have allowed themselves to be used to justify violence. God was not discredited but discredited, which caused ungodliness. If religions want to give hope to the world, they must renew themselves from their own sources so that they are a force for peace, justice and the integrity of creation.
Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI. repeatedly emphasized that Europe was becoming godless.
Zulehner: I have been doing value studies in Europe for decades. Europe is not godless - as the two popes always emphasized - but rather ideologically colorful and has many altars. Of course, denying God is one thing, but living God-forgetful is something else.
You use the term “crypto-clericalisation” in your book. What do you mean by that?
Zulehner: After the Council, the aim was to turn the priestly Church into a Synodal Church of the People of God. In rich countries, the priest's church was instead converted into a modern service church. At the same time, this has also led to secondary clericalism.
And what does that mean?
Zulehner: Surveys show that young priests are afraid that, in addition to their priestly career, there are very well-trained laypeople who do the same things as them. All that remains for them is celibacy and the celebration of the Eucharist and reconciliation. They react allergically to this and ask themselves: What are we worth as priests? This makes them secondary clerical – out of fear of a loss of importance.
“Celebrating is also about the fundamental equality and vocation of everyone.”
What do you recommend?
Zulehner: A deep reflection on the office in the Church, which ensures adherence to the Gospel, would help.
They also advocate declericalizing liturgy. Why?
Zulehner: Liturgy is a collaboration between everyone – not just the work of one priest. Celebration is also about fundamental equality and calling for everyone. This is the foundation of the church. We need people who are aware of their calling and who will not allow themselves to be driven out of the church because, for example, a Bishop is difficult to tolerate.
* Paul M. Zulehner (83) is a theologian, religion and values researcher. The priest was a professor of pastoral theology at the University of Vienna until his retirement. He was a member of the University Council at the University of Lucerne until 2020.
His new book “Passion for the World. Against forgetfulness of God” was published by Patmos Verlag.
Cathcon: Two references to Christ.....one to justify the heresy of universalism and the other to justify the ordination of women in that context. Without Christ, the Church becomes politics pure.
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