German Synodal Path Encouraged by Synod Results

In a lecture given at the 17th Congress of Courrier de Rome last January, published with the Acts of this congress, the question addressed is that of the influence of the German Synodal Path on the Roman Synod. It is shown that there was a deliberate influence of the former on the latter, even if some concerns were similar.

But it is not possible to dismiss the theory that the German Synodal Path served to pave the way for the Synod, even if it may have been used as “pushback” in certain cases. So it is hardly surprising that the Synodal Path's promoters are comfortable with the results of the Roman Synod.

The President of the German Bishops' Conference (DBK) was therefore able to assert in the above-mentioned interview that the reform efforts made by the Church in Germany during the Synodal Path—and which are not yet complete—have emerged strengthened from this second assembly of the 16th Synod of Bishops. He listed the points of satisfaction.

The introduction of synodal consultations at all levels gives impetus to the German reform. The Bishop of Limburg took the opportunity to affirm that a “national synodal body” will be set up in Germany “in accordance with general canon law and the teachings of the Second Vatican Council,” he clarified, according to katholisch.de.

Is a reminder needed that Rome has opposed and continues to oppose this “national synodal council,” as it has been called by the Synodal Path? It seems that the Synod sessions persuaded the German bishops that Rome would no longer really oppose it.

The DBK President added that “the German bishops voluntarily did not play any particular role during the Synod,” but he added that “some of them would have introduced the Synodal Path's ideas during the assembly,” which confirms a posteriori what was explained at the beginning of the article. However, there was already unmistakable evidence of this desire to influence the Synod.

Another point of satisfaction for Bishop Bätzing is that “the attempt to externalize the admission of women to ordained ministry failed.” This admission was one of the main themes of the Synodal Path. The German Bishop affirms that the subject is on the table, that creative solutions are needed to admit women to ordained ministries such as the diaconate or the priesthood.

What follows is worth reporting: the DBK President confesses to having been deeply moved and transformed by meeting women who feel called to ordained ministry in the Church. “It is no longer enough to ask,” he added, “if the female diaconate has existed in the history of the Church, and, if so, in what form.”

A reflection aimed directly at Víctor Manuel Fernández, who said the issue should continue to be examined historically. As for the emotion and transformation felt by the Bishop of Limburg, it certainly carries considerable theological and traditional weight...

As has been said over and over again on this website, and by many other slightly vigilant people in the Church, the Rhine has once again flowed into the Tiber, to use the title of Fr. Ralph Wiltgen's famous book on the history of the Second Vatican Council. And it is a new pollution for the Roman river.