Bishop Georg Bätzing is not running for re-election - a turning point for the church!

Bishop Georg Bätzing is not running for re-election - a turning point for the church!

Georg Bätzing, who has been the face of the Catholic Church in Germany, has announced that he will not run for a second term as chairman of the German Bishops' Conference. This decision was noted with regret in Bonn. Bätzing, who was elected in 2020, should have stood for re-election at the end of February 2024. In a letter to his colleagues, he explained that he had taken this step after careful consideration. Against the background of the intensive discussions about the “Synodal Way” reform process, his withdrawal is an important moment for the Catholic Church in Germany. Radiorur reports.

Bätzing was noticed by both reform-minded and critical voices. The Central Committee of German Catholics' support for its reform efforts contrasted with opposition from conservative bishops such as Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki. Particularly relevant here is Bätzing's commitment to gender equality and the admission of women as deacons, which many consider necessary. On the other hand, there were criticisms that he dared to take a position on controversial issues without a viable majority.

Reflection on the Synodal Way

Bätzing sees the controversial “Synodal Path” as a success overall, but also recognizes the challenges that arose during the reform process. In his opinion, the impact of the papal letter, published in 2019, was initially underestimated. The Pope had then argued for unity with the universal Church and evangelization, which is necessary to overcome the many conflicts that have arisen during the process. Katholisch.de reports.

Within the Bishops' Conference the need for reforms to address the crisis in the Church is being loudly emphasized. In particular, it is about gender equality and the inclusion of different ways of life in church practice. Bätzing further emphasizes that the structures need more transparency and equality.

Looking ahead: Paths to the World Synod

The German bishops are also preparing for the upcoming world synod in Rome, where comprehensive reforms and equality will be central themes. In this context, Bätzing spoke out in favor of greater inclusion of women in the church. However, victims such as Essen Bishop Franz-Josef Overbeck and Augsburg Bishop Bertram Meier are skeptical about a decision on diaconate ordination for women, which remains controversial within the bishops' conference. Vaticannews reports.

The upcoming autumn general assembly of the German Bishops' Conference in Fulda, which will take place from September 23rd to 26th, 2024, will certainly be a decisive moment for the future direction of the Catholic Church in Germany. It remains to be seen whether Bätzing's reform proposals and the voice of the German bishops will also be heard in Rome. Hopes are high that the church in Germany can develop more inclusive and flexible structures that meet the challenges of today.