Synodal process – Switzerland is not responsible for Liechtenstein – kath.ch
Communication breakdown in Rome: The Council of European Bishops’ Conferences CCEE initially claimed that Liechtenstein would be represented by Switzerland at the European synod meeting in Prague. Now the CCEE is correcting its statement: “Liechtenstein is not in Prague.”
Raphael Rauch
«The CCEE invites all members to the European synod meeting in Prague. Liechtenstein is the only country in Europe that is not a member of the CCEE. In this respect, Liechtenstein cannot be invited,” says Martin Michalicek to kath.ch. The Slovakian priest is CCEE General Secretary in St. Gallen.
Archbishop Wolfgang Haas rejects the synodal process
The statement of his colleague on Wednesday in Rome, After that, Liechtenstein was represented by Switzerland in Prague, was wrong and due to a misunderstanding. Martin Michalicek apologized for the communication breakdown.
One thing is certain: the Catholics in Liechtenstein must continue to get involved in the synodal process, bypassing the archdiocese. The Archbishop of Vaduz, Wolfgang Haas, rejects the synodal process.
You can also send contributions directly to Rome
Since Liechtenstein does not belong to any bishops’ conference, the archbishopric reports directly to Rome. So far, Rome has not publicly rebuked the archbishop for his refusal. However, the Nuncio Martin Krebs, who is responsible for Liechtenstein, pointed out that the entire people of God can get involved in the synodal process.
Martin Krebs referred to the “Vademecum” for the synod on synodality. Point 5.1. states: «Individuals and groups (are) called to participate primarily in their local church in the synodal process. But it is also possible that they send their contributions directly to the General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops (EC, 6).»
Maybe there will be a successor for Wolfgang Haas in October 2023
Of the Association for an Open Churchwho sees himself as a counterweight to the reactionary archbishop Wolfgang Haas, bypassed the archdiocese and shaped the synodal process in Liechtenstein and reported the results to Rome.
Due to the CCEE no, it is now certain: Archbishop Wolfgang Haas will not take part in the European synod meeting in Prague. It is unclear who will then represent Liechtenstein in October 2023 when preparing for the assembly of the Synod of Bishops in Rome.
A new era will begin in Liechtenstein on August 7, 2023
Archbishop Wolfgang Haas celebrates his 75th birthday on August 7, 2023 and according to canon law, he must then offer his resignation to Pope Francis. Should the Pope accept this, a new bishop or an administrator could then represent Liechtenstein at the world synod: in October 2023 for the first phase and in October 2024 for the final phase.
© Catholic Media Center, 12/16/2022
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