Status: 09/09/2022 01:42 a.m
At the Synodal Assembly in Frankfurt, the Catholic Church actually wants to advance reforms. But of all things, a text on church sexual morality failed in a vote by the bishops. Delegates were appalled.
At the fourth synodal assembly of the reform process of the Catholic Church in Germany, a fundamental text on church sexual morality failed in the vote on Thursday evening. The text, which aimed to liberalize church sexual morality, met with 82 percent approval in the general vote. However, he missed the necessary two-thirds majority of the bishops: only 33 bishops voted in favor of the text, with 21 votes against and two abstentions. The decision led to a crisis of confidence, with some delegates wanting to leave.
Many of the delegates reacted disappointed and stunned after the vote. “A huge disappointment” can be felt in the room, said the Limburg bishop and chairman of the German Bishops’ Conference, Georg Bätzing. These majorities of the bishops were not recognizable in the debate.
Sharp criticism of bishops
The President of the Central Committee of German Catholics (ZdK), Irme Stetter-Karp, fought for composure. If such voting behavior is repeated on the text on the role of women, “we are faced with a shambles,” she said. “I expect the bishops with their power to be open about their opinions.” The behavior of the bishops, who did not express their opinion in the debate and then rejected the text, is a refusal of dialogue and synodality.
Sharp words were used during a crisis debate – a delegate accused the bishops of cowardice. “It can’t be that the faithful have to stay with the bishops, but the bishops won’t stay with us!” cried the nun Katharina Kluitmann. Benedictine nun Philippa Rath said she feared such behavior would deepen divisions between believers and bishops. Vera Scheuermeyer, representing young Catholics, was stunned: “What else should I hope for?” She asked. You risk friendships with your decision to remain in the church despite everything.