Archbishop of Paderborn warns against the appropriation of the protection of life by ideologues

Archbishop Dr Udo Markus Bentz on the protection of life

The Archbishop who said nothing when half-naked performers danced with headless frozen chickens in front of his cathedral's high altar (see link below) 

In light of current social and political developments, the Archdiocese of Paderborn warns against the co-optation of the protection of life by ideologically motivated forces. The unconditional protection of human life, from its beginning to its end, is a central ethical concern. It is deeply rooted in Christian conviction and constitutionally guaranteed by the Basic Law.

In recent weeks, the protection of life has been hotly debated in public, among other things in connection with the debate surrounding the possible replacement of judges at the Federal Constitutional Court. Observations by independent sources suggest that right-wing populist and anti-democratic forces are escalating the public debate and using it to promote their own narratives.

"The protection of life must not be a tactical argument. Anyone who attempts to use it to divide society or deliberately exacerbate tensions is missing the point," warns Archbishop Dr. Udo Markus Bentz. "Those who instrumentalize it ultimately no longer speak for life, but only against others."

Responsibility in difficult questions

In the Archdiocese of Paderborn, the breadth of this issue is very concrete. Following the merger of the Catholic and Protestant hospitals in Lippstadt, a chief physician publicly questioned the ethical orientation of the new institution. In doing so, he clearly positioned himself against the principles of action jointly agreed upon by the church shareholders.

The new partnership agreement of the Klinikum Lippstadt GmbH – Christian Hospital, created through the merger, explicitly enshrines the comprehensive protection of life both at the beginning and at the end. Abortions and assisted suicide are generally prohibited. An exception for abortions exists when the life or physical integrity of the mother is acutely endangered and there is no medically possible alternative to save the life of the unborn child.

Since this is an ongoing labour law proceeding, the Archdiocese of Paderborn cannot currently provide a detailed statement on the specific events in Lippstadt. Fundamentally, however, we emphasize the central importance of ethically responsible scope for action in church-run institutions. These institutions, like other ideologically influenced institutions, contribute to the ethical diversity of values in the healthcare system in a pluralistic society. They fully fulfill their healthcare mandate, as stipulated by state law, but not in contravention of their own self-concept to fulfill non-acute medical treatment requests. Many people consciously choose to be treated in institutions with a value-based profile. The self-concept of each institution deserves objective acceptance – even if it does not correspond to individual expectations in individual cases.

Awareness of personal consequences

Questions of protecting life always touch on personal realities. They require decisions that are not only made based on fundamental convictions, but often under difficult circumstances – by women and men, by families, by medical personnel, and by all those confronted with the beginning or end of life. These decisions are based on biographical experiences, responsibility, and complex considerations.

The Archdiocese of Paderborn sees it as its mission to assist people in such moments – through pastoral care, counseling, guidance, and practical support. This commitment is characterized by high standards and is reflected in many existing services, which are provided daily with great dedication and professional competence. We are driven by the motivation to continuously develop existing support services in order to meet the complex challenges. How can we provide even more targeted support to people in stressful life situations? What do women need during pregnancy conflicts so that their dignity is respected, their needs are taken seriously, and the path to life is kept open for them? Where can conditions be further improved so that people with disabilities or in difficult life situations feel welcome and supported? And how can we better monitor and support those who accompany such people, both professionally and in their families, with all their strength, commitment, and often great stress?

Protecting life can only succeed if many people share responsibility: the Church, society, politics – and all those who accompany people in their everyday lives. Those who stand up for life must also support those who support this affirmation every day.

Creating an environment where life matters

Protecting life is more than a personal stance – it requires structures that protect and strengthen life in all its vulnerability. This is also a sociopolitical mandate. It is part of the Church's self-image to advocate for frameworks in which every life is welcome – regardless of age, origin, health, or social situation. A society that takes the protection of life seriously needs institutions and attitudes in which people are not only tolerated, but supported and respected.

"Protecting life is a precious good – but not an easy one, especially in the fragile stages at the beginning and end. I experience how much it demands of people: personally, politically, legally, and also pastorally. Those who take it seriously must not overlook the tensions that arise from it – in our society and in the lives of individuals," said Archbishop Bentz. "I see it as my responsibility to represent a conviction clearly and unequivocally, while at the same time not losing sight of those who need support and guidance in difficult decision-making situations or challenging life situations."

The Archbishop emphasizes: "Protecting life is not an issue for individual social groups. It is not a conservative position, but rather an expression of a humane, solidarity-based society. Those who protect life, especially where it is weak, unborn, or threatened, strengthen trust in a community that does not shirk its responsibility."

Source

Cathcon: Let's take a look at the Archbishop's record.  Synod just looks here like a means for the co-option of a compliant church by the German state.  It will not be long before there is a Church of Germany paying more attention to ministers in Berlin than the Pope in Rome.