Bishop Stefan Oster of Passau has said that he perceived strong opposition from the Vatican to the theological and canon law reform proposals of the Synodal Path during the visit by German bishops to Rome last week, according to KNA Germany.
“We also heard clear opposition in Rome to recent proposals from Germany in the debates on the way forward for ecumenical relations,” Oster wrote on his Facebook page. He referred to the final document of the visit according to which some topics were called “non-negotiable”.
The Roman interventions must be taken into account in the Synodal Path reform process in Germany, said the bishop from southern Germany. This demand was also voiced by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin who moderated the meeting. “These proposals ultimately prevented a moratorium for the Synodal Path, which had also been proposed, so that it can continue, taking into account the input made.”
Oster said he believed the “fiercely debated issues” need to be further explored. “We sense that essential aspects of the gospel today are not easily compatible with the prevailing currents of a society like ours.” He said the meeting had been a “very decisive” one.
