Bishop of this Catholic structural reform: update and criticism

Bishop of this Catholic structural reform: update and criticism

new perspectives in the church structure debate

The discussion about the planned structural reforms in the diocese of Aachen continues to pick up speed. Although the bishop Helmut has moved away from his original plan to receive only eight large parishes by 2028, the criticism remains. The “Church remains here” initiative in Aachen -ilendorf is still dissatisfied with the current course.

The bishop recently confirmed that he states to convert the so -called "pastoral rooms" into parishes. This decision is due to critics that fear that the planned mergers and new start -ups could lead to conflicts. Communities in the Heinsberg district would be particularly affected.

A central criticism is also the lack of inclusion of lay bodies in the decision -making processes. The critics demand that more responsibility are transferred to the parishioners to ensure stronger participation.

Although two discussions have already taken place between the participants, there is still dissatisfaction. If no agreement is reached, the critics do not rule out a new recourse to Rome to address their concerns.

The debate about the church structure in the diocese of Aachen illustrates the tension between central planning and local anchoring. It also raises questions about the influence of the parishioners on decision -making processes within the church and illustrates the importance of a constructive dialogue between the various actors.

- Nag