The Catholic reform group Maria 2.0 has called for greater independence for the Catholic Church in Germany in the light of Vatican objections to Church reforms.
The group said committed people had wrangled for several years at the request of the German Bishops’ Conference to find a common way out of the crisis and to agree Church reforms in a process triggered by the abuse scandal. “But now, before the smallest possible step can be taken, Rome is vetoing it.”
The Vatican has rejected calls for non-ordained people to be allowed to lead baptismal celebrations and preach at Holy Mass in the future. Permission for laypeople to preach is one of the central demands of the Synodal Path, the reform project in Germany that the letter did not mention.
At the final Synodal Assembly in Frankfurt, delegates had adopted a resolution to this effect. It was now necessary to think about alternatives, Maria 2.0 said. “Perhaps one will then come to the conclusion that the Catholic Church in Germany must go its own way.”
For the vast majority of Catholics, there would not be a return to the “the way it was”. When asked to elaborate, the group said: “We as Maria 2.0 do not see ourselves as those who are founding a new Church”. It merely wanted to point out contradictions that stood in the way of renewal. “This includes that we no longer want to submit to the guidelines from Rome, but demand a theology that does justice to all people: equal dignity, equal rights.”
On this basis, the Catholic Church in Germany should confidently implement reforms and stop “asking Rome if it is permissible to ask questions”. A Church in which unity did not mean uniformity and that instead enabled unity in diversity would not stand in the way of reforms. In addition, real changes were essential “if the Church in Germany still wants to have a future”.
The Maria 2.0 initiative has been campaigning for far-reaching reforms in the Catholic Church since 2019. Its demands include more rights for women and a more liberal sexual morality.
Originally reported by KNA Germany.
