Perhaps the Archdiocese of Vaduz will be dissolved – kath.ch
The theologian Paul Zulehner (82) believes that the universal church needs courageous decentralization. Kurt Koch’s criticism of the synodal path was “quick”. He also finds clear words about Monika Schmid and the future of the Church in Liechtenstein.
Jacqueline Straub
The worldwide synodal process of the Catholic Church should now take more time. There are to be two major sessions at the level of the universal church. What do you think?
Paul M. Zulehner*: The pope also took more time at the family synod. The bishops were met with implemented issues and decisions. This led to a reflection process among the bishops for more than a year. I like that.
Pope Francis wants more participation from God’s people. What is necessary now?
Zulehner: It’s an increase in participation. I really appreciate that. But the people of the church must see that one must not only revolve around questions of the church, but also ask the questions of the world and look for solutions. I was very disappointed when I read in the minutes of the Austrian bishops that the questions about the world were unfortunately forgotten in the submission. Only internal church problems were addressed. This is a church implosion. The fact that we only revolve around ourselves is not appropriate to the situation in today’s tumbling world.
“Whether someone becomes a hardliner is not a question of theology, but of personality structure.”
Isn’t there enough to do in the church at the moment with internal church issues?
Zulehner: Internal church issues are important, but the reform groups could also do more to address the major challenges in the world such as war, climate emergency or migration.
A Triassic synod – consisting of the pope, bishops and “God’s people” – would be a novelty that could lead to tensions because of the unresolved question of representativeness. How do you see it?
Zulehner: We have hardliners in the church who will certainly step on the brakes and try to prevent reforms. It has to be said: Whether someone becomes a hardliner is not a question of theology, but of personality structure. Such personalities focus on security, not development. I very much hope that the Pope will succeed in bridging this polarization. The gospel must come to the fore again and it is about digging deeper into the radical roots of the church. At the same time, it is also about listening to the Spirit of God together, which I trust to work in everyone.
What are your hopes for the synodal process?
Zulehner: I hope that courageous decentralization will take place and that the continents can be more independent. The uniformism of the Catholic Church has contributed to the stagnation of the Catholic world Church. Decentralization could bring dynamism into the churches of active cultures. But then the reasonable question arises: How can unity be maintained at different speeds?
How can this work?
Zulehner: Multiplicity must be reconciled with unity. In my opinion, this is only possible if we reach a spiritual depth again, as Paul says: one God, one faith, one baptism. Then we would have 95 percent commonality.
“We don’t have to work in step on all issues.”
And what about the remaining five percent?
Zulehner: We can have a funny argument with each other.
Will the synodal process clear the reform backlog in the church?
Zulehner: I do believe that we as a universal church will take a step here and there together. But I also hope that some decisions will be left to the continental bishops’ conferences. We don’t have to work in lockstep on all issues.
What topics are you thinking of?
Zulehner: That could, for example, concern the criteria for ordination or also liturgical forms. Pastoral priorities can also be set differently.
We are speaking here in Schaan/Liechtenstein. Archbishop Wolfgang Haas has refused to conduct a synodal process in Liechtenstein. What does that mean?
Zulehner: Wolfgang Haas took a stand against his top boss, against Pope Francis. With such disobedience, anyone can also justify disobedience to him. He has achieved exactly what he is actually trying to prevent: the Association for an Open Church and other people have become much more involved and discussed the issues of the synodal process together. In addition, the church people could send the results to Rome themselves.
“It takes a bridge builder to bring peace to the diocese.”
In August 2023, Wolfgang Haas will be 75 years old. Then he must offer his resignation to the Pope. What should the future Archbishop of Vaduz be like?
Zulehner: The Archdiocese of Liechtenstein was only invented for Wolfgang Haas. Perhaps this WILL be lifted again, so that Liechtenstein WILL be integrated into the diocese of Feldkirch or into a Swiss diocese. What is clear, however, is that this jewel of the Church in Liechtenstein needs a man in the middle. It takes a bridge builder to bring peace to the diocese.
What do you think of the synodal path in Germany?
Zulehner: When the synodal path in Germany comes to an end, then the synodalization of the church at the grassroots level will only begin. You can’t do that at the same time. I have the greatest respect for the German Church as it follows the synodal path. They deserve all theological support. You don’t have to criticize from the outside so cockily. Calls from outside are not very helpful.
Curia Cardinal Kurt Koch even included the synodal path with the “German Christians” of National Socialism.
Zulehner: That was too hasty. I am convinced that he has already bitten his tongue in a number of manly scratches. He certainly wouldn’t say it that way today. Anyone in such a high position needs excellent advice in order not to put their foot in it.
Do you think he had counseling?
Zulehner: It was probably a solo effort. Unfortunately, he did not argue from his deep theological knowledge, but simply out of irritation. Perhaps he became a victim of a bad culture that seems to exist in Rome, that the synodal path in Germany is wrong. That does not do justice to the committed and abuse-ridden Christians in Germany. The texts of the synodal path have a high theological quality. I wish the same for the synodal process of the entire world church.
Let’s take a look at Switzerland. The now retired pastor Monika Schmid recently visited her farewell service concelebrated. What do you think?
Zulehner: Monika Schmid is ahead of the coming church development. This goes in the direction of digging back into the depths of the biblical origin and from there also developing further ecumenically. If we use the power of the reliable tradition of the Lord’s Supper to redesign this core celebration with the other Christian churches, it could go in the direction of this farewell service.
“The church will be much simpler tomorrow.”
The Bishop of Chur, Joseph Maria Bonnemain, has initiated a preliminary canonical investigation.
Zulehner: If there is criticism from the official side, then it is legitimate given the current legal structure of the church. But from the perspective a bit bumpy and too backward looking. It is a question of peeling out rubbish, which the event wants to show prophetically, even if it still seems illegal today. With Blessed Anna Katharina Emmerick spoke: “The church will be much simpler tomorrow.”
How do you deal with the dilemma: hope for reforms – or just do it like Monika Schmid?
Zulehner: Both have been happening for a long time. An example are the altar boys, who are completely banned by many popes. Many congregations have simply admitted girls to altar service. In the meantime, no rooster crows about it anymore.
Except in Poland and parts of France. Even in Geneva, some women are bothered by altar boys.
Zulehner: The Polish Church still has the post-Vatican period of far-reaching renewal ahead of it, which it did not have the strength to do during the communist era. This process will be fairly dynamic in Poland. Even the Polish bishops cannot avoid making the transition through the fire of reform.
“We are carried by a concern for the world.”
What gives you personal hope?
Zulehner: My hope is that we will succeed in being an inspiration for a better world with God’s spirit. That the Christian churches with all religions and people of good will stand up for peace and justice and for the preservation of creation. That’s why I have one together with the theologian and sociologist Tomáš Halík and the German politician Annette Schavan call with the title “Religions – Hope in a tumbling world”. A lot is already happening in many places – that gives me hope. Political decision-makers in particular must be infected by this hope.
When do you feel God?
Zulehner: Now in conversation with you. I think we are carried by a common concern for the reeling world and the much too self-centered church.
* Paul M. Zulehner (82) is a theologian, researcher of religion and values. Until his retirement, the priest was a professor of pastoral theology at the University of Vienna.
© Catholic Media Center, 10/20/2022
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