Observations and Impressions at the Synodal Path in Germany

Synodality is a theological challenge and a personal experience. Anyone who wants to judge the path of the Catholic Church in Germany fairly must not overlook the cause: the massive abuse of dependent people by clergy.The systemic causes of both the abuses and the cover-up call for a systemic response that does not dispense with a legal assessment of individual misconduct, but which also calls for an in-depth historical and theological analysis: The Catholic Church has a problem with clericalism that cannot be solved by the good will of those responsible, but requires a structural reform of the Church. It leads to a redefinition of the episcopal office: a strengthening through contextualisation, through involvement, through transparency and accountability. How the necessary reforms strengthen unity through Diversity is the key question of a Catholic Church that understands synodality not only as episcopal collegiality. In this way, it can fulfil its mission in the world today without colluding with authoritarian regimes.