German Catholics have been meeting since last year to consider major changes to church life, including the blessing of same-sex relationships and the ordination of women—moves that many see as essential reforms after the clerical sex-abuse crisis. But the effort has drawn fierce criticism.
Cardinal Rainer Woelki of Cologne, leader of the conservative minority of German bishops, has warned that the process could lead to a schism and even “a German national church.” His warnings have been echoed by cardinals and bishops in other countries. “Please join me in praying for the universal Church and the bishops in Germany, that they step back from this radical rupture,” Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone of San Francisco said in May.
The threat of schism is alarming for any religious community but especially for the Catholic Church, whose very name is derived from the ancient Greek word for “universal” and whose core identity is inextricably tied to its global unity under the pope.
Critics of the process under way in Germany, which is officially called the Synodal Path, say that proponents of change there are flouting the pope’s authority by challenging teachings of which he is the chief custodian. But German progressives deny any intention to break with Rome and insist they are taking their cues from the pope himself, who has encouraged free discussion of sensitive topics that were taboo under his conservative predecessors.
People on both sides agree that the pope is now trying to restrain the progressive movement in Germany, disappointing many who cheered him earlier in his reign. “Pope Francis has recognized that the unity of the church is very fragile, so he has to maintain unity and he has to say on some questions ‘stop’ to the church in Germany,” said Helmut Hoping, a professor of theology at the University of Freiburg.
FrancisXRocca The ‘?’ Is the trick. Will attract all the attention but in the end the author can hide behind it.
porque el argentino es el falso profeta y en unión a los diablos puestos como obispos en 100 paises del mundo bajo su reinado piensan destruir el catolicismo
Another Schism? Too early by 7 years. The Great Divide, thevS hism, between East and West occurred in 1054. We have to wait until 2028 to make it another 1054 years
There always has been a schism. He’s not leading Catholics there. It has always been a quiet schism until now though.
The Pope is so weak that it has lost authority. European territory is small, Europeans will lose authority and dignity.
The blessing of same-sex relationships and the ordination of women should have already been accepted by now. Discrimination isn't a very compassionate attitude and Christians claim to be compassionate people. Let's see...
El Papa está destruyendo la Iglesia, alejando a los fieles, pero no por cuestiones 'de género' sino porque defiende la teología de la liberación, y sus opiniones se acercan cada vez más al comunismo.
Monogamy is sacrosanct. Gender and sexuality are irrelevant. A Christlike journey means faith, constancy, trials and a deep belief in monogamy. Church leadership will catch on. Love, when respected, is a right for all Christians. ❤️✅
Extremist Islam and Evangelical Christianity have taken root in Africa.
I think so!
Nope he isn’t. It’s the conservatives who are creating the schism.
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