Archdiocese of Cologne competes with Bonn faculty through seminary
In Cologne, the University of Catholic Theology (KHKT) has started its work. It owes its existence to Cardinal Woelki, who used the College of the Steyler Missionaries in Sankt Augustin to found it. When these were to be given up for cost reasons, a non-profit limited company under the aegis of the cardinal took over the sponsorship in 2020 with the aim of enabling the priesthood candidates enrolled there to continue their studies until they graduated. This temporary commitment turned into a long-term institution. The university was relocated to Cologne, its name changed and its structure confirmed. Cardinal Woelki is their Grand Chancellor, the first professors have been extended and teaching has begun. Without having to overcome the hurdles of a new establishment, the former Steyler University serves as the shell of a new training center for prospective priests and students of theology.
This wondrous mutation is surprising not only because of the cost, but also because of the apparent lack of need. Traditionally, the training of the priests of the Archdiocese of Cologne takes place at the University of Bonn, whose Catholic Theological Faculty has been performing this task for 200 years. In addition, the establishment of the university violates the relevant concordat that the Holy See had concluded with the Free State of Prussia in 1929 to regulate binding relations between state and church.