Catholics In Germany

German Catholics Quitting in Droves as Bishops Resist Synod

Over 500,000 Germans left the Catholic Church in 2022

Four bishops pushing back against permanent Synodal Council

The Catholic Church in Germany is facing a major crisis, as over half a million people left the church last year alone. This mass exodus comes amid growing tensions between the German church and the Vatican over the issue of reform. Four German bishops are now resisting a push to install a permanent Synodal Council, which would give the laity more say in the governance of the church.

The history of the Catholic Church in Germany dates back to the period of Christian origins. The church played a major role in the development of German culture and society, and it remains the largest religious denomination in the country today. However, the church has been facing a number of challenges in recent years, including declining membership, a shortage of priests, and growing criticism of its handling of sexual abuse cases.

The current crisis in the German church was sparked by a decision by the Vatican to reject a proposal for a permanent Synodal Council. The council would have been composed of both clergy and laity, and it would have had the authority to make decisions on a wide range of issues, including the ordination of women and the blessing of same-sex unions.

The Vatican's decision has angered many German Catholics, who see it as an attempt to stifle reform. Four German bishops have now come out in opposition to the Vatican's decision, and they are calling for the establishment of a permanent Synodal Council. The bishops argue that the council is necessary to address the challenges facing the church in Germany and to ensure that the laity have a voice in the governance of the church.

The crisis in the German church is a major challenge for the Vatican. The church is facing a number of serious problems, and it is unclear how the Vatican will resolve them. The decision to reject the proposal for a permanent Synodal Council has only served to deepen the crisis, and it remains to be seen how the Vatican will respond to the growing opposition from German Catholics.