Cardinal calls for punishment forbishop who was too homo-friendly
Just a moment ago, there was hope that the Catholic Church might finally be able to break away from its old principles. One person on whom great hopes were placed in this context is Bishop Georg Bätzing.
The chairman of the German Bishops' Conference believes that it is time to allow same-sex marriages as well. What causes joy among some is met with incomprehension and indignation among others. This is also the case with Cardinal George Pell, who demands that the bishop's positive, homo-friendly statements should bring far-reaching consequences.
Cardinal Pell demands help from the Vatican
The statements of Bishop Georg Bätzing piss off Cardinal Pell. That is exactly why the ex-Vatican cardinal has requested help from the Vatican. The latter should see to it that the statements of the chairman of the German Bishops' Conference are punished. After all, the statements could not be reconciled with the norms and values of Catholic doctrine.
Instead, this is a "false doctrine" that must be stopped at all costs. He points out that the observance of the Ten Commandments is the only teaching that the Catholic Church should convey. A rethinking or a new definition is not desired.
Bishop Bätzing demands the blessing of same-sex marriages
Bishop Bätzing, on the other hand, demands equality for homosexual couples in the church. They should receive the sacrament of marriage in the same way as heterosexual couples. He also advocates a change in Catholic labor law. Dismissals, which are pronounced purely due to the sexual orientation, are to be void thereby. It remains to be seen how long it will take, or whether it will ever be possible for homosexual priests to officially celebrate mass.
In any case, Bätzing believes that it is time to reach out to people and show this, among other things, in that it is perfectly legitimate for people of the same sex to marry. However, these are not the only changes he would like to see in the Catholic Church.
In your opinion, the priesthood, for example, should be allowed to be led by men AND women. After all, there would no longer be any legal basis for any other regulation.(Note: In the Protestant Church, women priests have been allowed for a long time and are no longer a topic that would be talked about in a big way. )
Also in focus: Cardinal Pell's critical remarks and an abuse scandal
It's not the first time Cardinal Pells has caused head-scratching among many members of the community. Among other things, he also already referred to gays as a health hazard.
Pell's homophobic remarks have made headlines before, but a much bigger scandal revolved around an even worse accusation. For example, he allegedly sexually abused several boys. Of the six years he was sentenced to, however, he served only one year.
What's next?
Hard to say. On the one hand, the glimmer of hope in the form of Bishop Bätzing, who dares to break new ground. On the other side, a Catholic church representative who has already lodged an official complaint with the Vatican.
Many members of the community agree: it would be a shame to see an open-minded clergyman of the Catholic Church lose his office because he opens up to people. Such a step backwards would certainly shock numerous believers and ensure that even more people are likely to turn away from the institution ( but certainly not from their faith).