German Catholic women's associations thinking about dropping Catholic from their names. Synod legitimacy smashed
Do women's associations in Germany also want to abandon the "Catholic" name?
Deleting the "Catholic" from the name: This decision by the Swiss Women's Federation has caused a stir. The two major Catholic women's associations in Germany can understand the decision – and are faced with similar challenges.
According to their own statements, the approximately 160 women made nothing less than a "forward-looking naming decision" with an overwhelming majority over the weekend: The "Swiss Catholic Women's Federation" (SKF) will henceforth be known simply as "Women's Federation Switzerland." 153 delegates voted in favor of the name change, with only 5 against. A groundbreaking decision – one initiated by the association's board itself.
The Association's new co-president, Katharina Jost, explained at the meeting, according to the Bernese "Pfarrblatt," that the previous name was too cumbersome, and the abbreviation SKF was not understood. The term "Catholic" has negative connotations and is associated with clericalism and abuse by 80 percent of the population, Jost said. "We are not managing to present 'Catholic' in a positive light. We believe Jesus Christ would say: You will not recognize them by their names, but by their actions."
Swiss Women's Federation remains Catholic – but Catholic in a different way
The major women's associations in Germany are quite understanding of the Swiss women's name change. The Catholic German Women's Federation (KDFB) sees the decision as a "comprehensible strategic decision":
"The SKF operates in a different social structural environment than we do," a KDFB spokesperson explained in response to a query from katholisch.de. For example, Protestant women's groups are also organized in the Swiss association. "The renaming reflects the openness and diversity of the association. At the same time, the SKF remains explicitly part of the Catholic movement." This is particularly evident in its commitment and the new slogan. Agnes Wuckelt, deputy chairwoman of the Catholic Women's Association of Germany (kfd), also emphasized to katholisch.de that the Swiss Women's Federation will remain Catholic – "but just 'differently' Catholic."
In fact, women in Switzerland voted to use the slogan "Surprisingly Different Catholic" along with the new name. The term "Catholic" evokes different associations in society, the SKF emphasized in a press release following the delegate assembly. "The Swiss Women's Federation consciously takes independent positions that may differ from those of the official church, thus contributing to a diverse image of the Catholic community in the media and society."
Agnes Wuckelt also sees this as a task for self-positioning. "It's true: In view of the credibility crisis (not only) of the Catholic Church, the question of the self-image of a women's association in the church arises," said the deputy kfd chairwoman. The question of "being Catholic" also needs to be raised and re-answered with regard to synodal processes in the church. "It remains exciting to see how this 'differently Catholic' will now be filled," says Wuckelt.
What does the name change mean for German associations
What does the name change of the Swiss Federation mean for the two major Catholic women's associations in Germany: Would such a name change also be conceivable for you? The KDFB and kfd deny this. "At the federal level, this is not an issue," emphasizes Wuckelt. But the question of Catholicism is also implicitly raised within the kfd – both within the association and in terms of its external image. "Experience shows that a women's association that calls itself Catholic seems unattractive to potential members: Can a Catholic association represent a contemporary image of women?"
The situation is similar in the sister association: At the various association levels, they maintain a "continuous comparison of our formulated goals, visions, and guiding principles with the actual reality of the association," the KDFB spokesperson emphasized to katholisch.de. In this context, they are also addressing the question of what "Catholic" means in their own name. "However, deleting the term 'Catholic' from the name is not currently an issue."
Are women included? Gender discussion about Catholic associations
Many Catholic associations have so far only used the male form in their association names, such as "Katholiken." Will this change soon? The discussion about greater gender equality in language is certainly in full swing within the Church as well. One association is already planning to rename itself.
This also has practical reasons for the KDFB: There are already several associations in Germany that bear the name "Frauenbund," such as the German Evangelical Women's Association. Therefore, the word "Catholic" is also important for differentiation. Since its founding in 1903, the association has carried the "K" in its name. "Our values, our commitment, and our work are firmly anchored in the Catholic tradition – always linked to a critical and constructive engagement with developments in the Church and society," says the spokesperson.
Also open to non-Catholic women
The kfd has also found a practical approach to the question of Catholic self-image. The women's association – similar to the Swiss Women's Federation – pursues the approach of presenting itself as "differently Catholic" in image brochures and campaigns. "It should express that the kfd, especially as a women's association, wants to bring about change in this church – and has already achieved a great deal," says Wuckelt. Furthermore, the association – also in distinction from other women's associations – wants to clearly state its foundation: "a confessional commitment to the Christian message."
Such a commitment, however, does not only apply to Catholic women. The KDFB does not see the clear commitment to the term "Catholic" in its name as an exclusionary criterion: "Regardless of this, our association is also open to non-Catholic women."
Cathcon: Why should any of these laity be allowed to participate in the Synod process when they are so ashamed to be called Catholic?
Will the Central Committee of German Catholics, the leading lay body now become the Central Committee? It would be more honest.
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