"Without lay female theologians, our church would collapse." Modernist thinks she and her kind are a fundamental part of the Church

Edith Zingg, parish leader in Ostermundigen near Bern, participated in the international meeting of "Lay Ministers" in Rome this week. In conversation with us, she described her experiences as a woman in a leading church position and emphasized the importance of lay theologians for the future of the church – especially in the Diocese of Basel.

"It was very exciting to meet colleagues from South Korea, Ghana, the Philippines, India, the USA, Chile, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland," reports Zingg. During the exchange, it became clear that the conditions for lay people in leadership positions vary greatly around the world. In her parish near Bern, Zingg leads a team of around 30 employees – from catechists and theologians to the sacristan. "De jure, there is also a leading priest, but de facto, the responsibility lies with me," she explains. She has been commissioned by Basel Bishop Felix Gmür to ​​perform baptisms and preside over funerals. "I am grateful for the authority I have and strive to share it with the team. It is crucial that we as a church are present where we are needed."

Role of the Laity

The Diocese of Basel has consciously strengthened the role of the laity in recent years. Forty female theologians were convened to share their experiences. This resulted in a petition for the World Synod. In an accompanying letter, Bishop Gmür described how he had asked women whether they would be ordained as deacons. The majority said yes. However, this petition was hardly made public.

The fact that lay people have long been indispensable in Switzerland is recognized within the church, but is hardly known to the outside world.

"In the Diocese of Basel, most Sunday services are no longer Eucharistic celebrations, but Communion services led by lay people. 

Cathcon: "Services of the Word" which are so structured that they can be taken for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

Nevertheless, many are surprised when they hear that a woman leads a parish in the Catholic Church."

Looking at the future of the Church, Zingg is thoughtful: "I don't know what the Swiss Church will look like in ten years. New forms will probably be needed—small communities that share their faith in everyday life. I see this as a great opportunity."

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