The Presidents of the Synodal Path in Germany respond to the Holy See's communiqué, which warned the bishops that they have no authority to create new doctrines.
The statement explains that the German Synod is in agreement with the Vatican in a clear but critical way. On the one hand, they argue that their internal rules of procedure express the same goals as the Vatican. Yet, on the other hand, they criticize the way in which the Holy See has communicated with them.
The synod presidents say they have felt ignored as they have been open to communication, yet the only message they received was the warning issued on July 21. The statement says they regret 'with irritation' that direct communication with the Holy See has not yet taken place.
Germany's Synodal Path began following a report on sexual abuse in the country in 2018. The goal was to conduct a thorough examination of conscience as the German Church.
To this end, the synod, set to run from 2019 to spring 2023, was to reflect on four major areas: power and separation of powers in the Church, the priesthood, sexuality and relationships, and the role of women.
Between September 8 and 10, they will meet to approve an important draft regarding topics that, as the Vatican cautioned, could threaten the unity of the universal Church. The text will not have the status of law or ecclesial norm. Its value will be purely consultative. However, the Vatican believed it necessary to send a strong warning as a reminder of this distinction.
RM/JRB
TR: KG
