Discontent, disappointment and partial successes in the Synodal Path. Unhappy German Synodalists

Frustration instead of patience on the second day of the Synodal Assembly: Synod members are pressing for the implementation of the resolutions. The lack of response from Rome is drawing sharp criticism. But some bishops are striking a different tone.

Discontent and disappointment characterized the second day of the concluding Synodal Assembly on Friday morning and culminated in statements from the participants that were met with applause. For example, Sister Katharina Kluitmann, a religious sister, called for more political will in implementing the resolutions adopted by the Synodal Path. Amidst sustained applause, she addressed a cautionary message to the Vatican and its Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Nikola Eterovic, who was also present: The concerns must be brought to the Pope's attention. Several synod members also emphasized the disappointing lack of responses or answers from Rome to letters from the Synodal Path. Kluitmann commented, "This is not how Christians treat one another."

This followed the presentation of an evaluation of the implementation of the action plans. There is still considerable room for improvement, particularly regarding the issue of celibacy, the handling of homosexuality, and the greater participation of women. The appeal was repeatedly made clear that the Church could no longer wait. The resolutions adopted must finally be implemented in the dioceses – especially those that face no legal obstacles.

The Stuttgart city dean, Christian Hermes, had symbolically used the image of a burning hut. Several synod members remarked that it had already burned down in many places. A contrast was also noticeable in the assessment of the (new) relationship with Rome: While some, to loud applause, leveled sharp criticism at Rome, several bishops painted a different picture.

(No) reaction from Rome

The question arose between the lines as to how these opposing tones within the assembly came about. A lack of dialogue? Just on Thursday, the chairman of the German Bishops' Conference (DBK), Bishop Georg Bätzing, had spoken approvingly of constructive talks with Rome. The escalating tensions in some areas had led to a delegation of German bishops traveling to Rome several times to speak with representatives of the Roman Curia. On the Roman side, this delegation included the current Pope, then Cardinal Robert Prevost, who headed the Dicastery of Bishops.

In this context, Bätzing spoke of a persistent dialogue on both sides, and the initial Roman irritations had been resolved. In response to the accusation that there had been no reaction to letters from the Synodal Path, Bishop Bätzing ultimately defended the Vatican. Why the letters had not been answered remained unanswered and unclear. No one knew the explanation – not even the Apostolic Nuncio or other Vatican representatives, Bätzing stated.

In response to the accusation that there had been no reaction to letters from the Synodal Path, Bishop Bätzing ultimately defended the Vatican.

However, he did not see this as a lack of respect. A political calculation? Probably not. Rather, he interpreted the dialogue with Vatican Curia officials as a response and as taking the concerns from Germany seriously: "I remain constructive and hopeful. The dialogue process is a response, and it is goal-oriented."

New openness and trust

How Rome ultimately assesses the entire project of the Synodal Conference will only become clear in the coming months. If the German bishops give the green light to the statutes, the document will then be sent to Rome for approval. Nevertheless, some of the German prelates expressed confidence. For example, Bishop Franz-Josef Overbeck of Essen reported on Thursday evening that Rome had been informed about the planned nationwide church body at all times. There was talk of a new openness and a new trust on both sides. Overbeck had led the negotiations in Rome on behalf of the German Bishops' Conference (DBK).

While this trust was emphasized, several questions remained regarding trust at the local level. There are various reasons for this. For example, why were there differing opinions in connection with Rome? And yet, one of the most significant reasons was the lack of willingness among those responsible in the dioceses to actually implement the resolutions. The monitoring of this ultimately led to frustration – especially its anonymity and the inability to assign individual dioceses to the respective implementation statuses. The 37-page evaluation document is based on responses from 23 of the 27 dioceses.

Meanwhile, around 15 demonstrators gathered in front of the conference hotel with entirely different demands – and a different kind of rhetoric. Criticism of the Synodal Path was delivered in familiar, zeitgeist-driven rhetoric: "Save souls or pander to the spirit of the age," read one placard. A statue of Mary, candles, and incense were displayed alongside accusations of heresy and being misguided.

Mixed assessment of the process

The synod members were also not entirely satisfied with the investigation into sexual abuse and the progress made so far. Opinions differed, with many emphasizing that the achievements did not go far enough. Yet the abuse scandal was one of the central triggers for the Catholic Church's large-scale, multi-year reform project in Germany.

Regarding the de-stigmatization of certain topics and the recognition of discriminated groups, the synod members assessed the reform dialogue as a "major contribution."

Johannes Norpoth, a member of the Bishops' Conference's Advisory Board for Victims, spoke of massive shortcomings in this context. However, he emphasized positively that power and the separation of powers are now being discussed openly – as are gender equality and the Church's teaching on sexuality. "That's not something to be taken for granted," said Norpoth. He added that progress had been made in the area of ​​prevention, for example through awareness campaigns and training.

Visible disappointment

The evaluation conducted by the Catholic University of Eichstätt on Thursday evening had already revealed disappointment, which became even more apparent at the assembly on Friday. For one thing, only about half of the synod members participated in the survey, which raised concerns. On the other hand, the majority of participants felt that the Synodal Path had thus far made only a minor contribution to addressing the systemic causes of sexualized violence or to restoring lost trust in the Church.

However, with regard to breaking the taboo surrounding certain topics and recognizing discriminated groups, the Synod members assessed the reform dialogue as a "significant contribution." A nun from the global Church shared this assessment in an interview with katholisch.de. She said that taboo topics had been addressed and discussed intensively – something she wished to see more of in the global Church.

Against this backdrop, the Synodal Conference will focus on broader participation in the future. In addition to the 27 members of the German Bishops' Conference (DBK) and the Central Committee of German Catholics (ZdK), 27 other lay members will also be involved in future discussions and consultations at the Synodal Conference. Four of these places are reserved for the German Conference of Major Superiors and the Advisory Board for Victims of Sexual Abuse. All baptized and confirmed Catholics should be eligible for election – provided they receive the support of at least twelve members of the Synodal Assembly. This is intended to broaden the Synodal Conference's base and structurally strengthen the participation of the faithful.

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