Start Liechtenstein synodal process – kath.ch
The Archbishop of Vaduz, Wolfgang Haas, has so far shown no interest in the synodal process. Now the “Association for an Open Church” is launching a “We are ears” campaign – inspired by Switzerland. The chance that Haas will take part is ten percent, says Christel Kaufmann.
Raphael Rauch
Why are you starting a “We are ears” campaign?
Christel Kaufmann *: The synodal process is an opportunity for the entire world church – and also for us here in Liechtenstein. And because it is a concern of the Pope, we hope that we now have a better chance to enter into dialogue with the Archbishop.
© zVg / Paul J. Trummer
Christel Kaufmann
Are you in dialogue with him?
Kaufmann: We tried to reach him by phone. But we didn’t succeed. Maybe this has something to do with his suspected illness. We have now informed him in writing and invited him to take part in the synodal process – for example in individual program points.
Archbishop Wolfgang Haas
Is it possible to organize a synodal process bypassing the bishop?
Kaufmann: Yes, we are all baptized. And Rome expressly urges us to get involved. We will send our results to Archbishop Wolfgang Haas as well as directly to Rome.
Bishop Felix Gmür opens the campaign for the synodal process.
The “Wir sind Ohr” campaign goes back to the diocese of Basel. Did you find this helpful?
Kaufmann: Yes, we have taken the photo here and also carefully studied the catalog of questions. We especially liked that. Questions are written in simple, clear language. Overall, the questionnaire was too long for us. Instead of 27 questions, we decided on ten questions.
“We don’t want to bring the archbishop in front.”
Your grouping is a kind of fundamental opposition to Archbishop Wolfgang Haas. Why should he enter into a dialogue?
Kaufmann: Our dialogue offer is meant seriously. We do not want to present the archbishop, but rather the synodal processes together with him. Of course there are difficulties, but we can still respectfully listen to each other. That is also the Pope’s concern. Francis also says: give the path a chance.
Archbishop Wolfgang Haas at the abdication of Princess Marie von und zu Liechtenstein.
Archbishop Wolfgang Haas has so far declined. He writes on the archbishopric’s websitethat “the close relationships in our parishes allowed pastors and laypeople to come into contact with one another quickly and easily”.
Kaufmann: I believe him that he will listen to his believers. But I ask myself: who thinks they are important enough to go to the archbishop and ask for an appointment? I want a bishop who has a Jesuan attitude, who goes out to the people and shows interest.
“It’s about: really listening.”
Why don’t you just bite for an appointment?
Kaufmann: That is exactly what we have now done as a working group: we asked for an appointment in writing. My last personal meeting was a long time ago. At the time I had the feeling: he smiles, nods – and then I leave without feeling that the conversation had made any difference. But that’s exactly what the synodal process is all about now: really listening.
“Most weddings in Liechtenstein take place without the Eucharistic celebration.”
Was it most indignant about the church in the Archdiocese of Vaduz?
Kaufmann: Most weddings in Liechtenstein take place without the Eucharistic celebration. And why? Because the bride and groom already have a child or already live together. Some priests say to the engaged couple: There is only one wedding with the Eucharist if you move apart again. This is a church that is alien to life and not a church in today’s world.
The Archbishop of Vaduz / Liechtenstein, Wolfgang Haas, with the certificate of appointment, at his enthronement on December 21, 1997 in the St. Florin Church.
What other example can you think of?
Kaufmann: There are pastors who expressly say at mass: Those who have not confessed should not come to communion. Here in Liechtenstein the clocks still tick differently than in Switzerland.
What is your likelihood that the bishop will answer you?
Kaufmann: I think he will answer. But will he really take part? I would say: ten percent.
“On Joseph’s Day we conclude the synodal process.”
What exactly are you doing now?
Kaufmann: We write all households in Liechtenstein and promote the synodal process. On our leporello there are ten questions that people in groups, clubs and school classes can discuss. The service starts on January 8th. The results can then be returned to us by post by February 28, 2022. There are also five publicly moderated roundtables. Presumably on St. Joseph’s Day, March 19th, we will conclude the synodal process.
Archbishop Wolfgang Haas will be 75 in two years and will then have to resign. Would you like to belong to the Diocese of Chur again, as you did in the past?
Kaufmann: Gladly to Chur or St. Gallen. Because of the developments in the Archdiocese, I quit my job as a religious educator and then worked in the Diocese of St. Gallen.
* Christel Kaufmann (63) is involved in the “Association for an Open Church” in Liechtenstein and is co-leader of the working group on the synodal process.
The Archdiocese of Vaduz could not be reached by kath.ch.
© Catholic Media Center, December 19, 2021
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