The committee responsible for enacting the reforms proposed by the German Church’s “Synodal Path” has removed the requirement that two-thirds of Bishops must vote in favour of a decision for it to pass. Previously for a vote to pass, two-thirds of bishops were required to vote in favour of a decision; now, it requires only Read more
Four German bishops voted on Tuesday against funding the synod committee preparing to introduce a permanent German synodal council to oversee the Church in Germany. The four bishops are Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki of Cologne and three bishops from Bavaria: Gregor Maria Hanke, OSB, of Eichstätt; Stefan Oster of Passau; and Rudolf Voderholzer of Regensburg. Read more
Participants in Germany’s “synodal way” will vote next month on a controversial proposal. If passed, the proposal would create a powerful permanent “synodal council” to oversee the local Church. Fourteen papers will be put to a vote at the synodal way’s fourth plenary assembly next week. One, “Sustainable strengthening of Synodality: A Synodal Council for Read more
A plan to extend Germany’s “synodal way” indefinitely through a permanent “synodal council” isn’t pleasing all Church leaders. The proposed council would be a powerful “advisory and decision-making body” consisting of both bishops and lay people. If created, it would mark a radical change in the structure of the Catholic Church in Germany. Advocates say Read more