Federation of German Catholic Youth demonstrating in favour of abortion. Priest decides enough is enough.

Priest protests against the BDKJ (Federation of German Catholic Youth) Munich's abortion activism

Members of the BDKJ demonstrated alongside left-wing radicals against the March for Life in Munich. A pastor from the archdiocese is fighting back by withholding money intended for the BDKJ.

A pastor from the Archdiocese of Munich-Freising protested against the regional BDKJ's appearance at the counter-demonstration against the March for Life, reports Corrigenda. The specific reason is the so-called "parish cent," which parishes are required to pay each year for youth work. Parishes are asked to donate five cents per parishioner. Half goes to the respective deanery, the other half to the BDKJ.

Bodo Windolf, parish priest of the Christ the Redeemer parish in Munich, announced in a letter dated June 22 to Cardinal Reinhard Marx, Archbishop of Munich and Freising, that he would only transfer half of the "parish cent," namely the portion for the deanery. He would retain the portion for the BDKJ, Windolf writes in the accompanying letter.

The BDKJ Munich-Freising, together with "Pro Choice Munich" and Antifa Munich, opposed the March for Life. (See link) Both of these organizations are "extremely anti-church." Antifa is sometimes violent, insults the church as a "fascist organization," and further presents itself "in word and deed as subversive."

"Here, people with unpopular opinions are being defamed in the most vile way. In my view, it is profoundly unchristian incitement to denounce young families with their children, pregnant women, bishops, priests, members of religious orders, and devout Christians of various denominations as people with right-wing extremist views and to label them as Nazis," Windolf writes, pointing out that the organiser of the "March for Life" sees itself as non-partisan, independent, and not religiously affiliated.

In an interview with Corrigenda, Father Windolf explains his motives. The protection of life is "a very clear task of the church," one that is also close to his heart. Here, it is necessary and right to "stand up against social resistance and take a stand." He is at a loss for words in view of the fact "how pro-life activists are being denounced, even within the church." This goes against his sense of justice, says the pastor.

He expects the Archdiocese to speak with those responsible for the BDKJ and that they will officially distance themselves from their appearance.

Corrigenda has requested a statement from the Archdiocese of Munich on the matter. The response: "The archdiocese does not wish to comment further on this matter." Representatives of the Archdiocese have held a conversation with the BDKJ Munich, the statement states.

(Cathcon: a clear public statement would help the Catholic cause but that is well beyond the capacity of the Archdiocese)

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