Joint statement from the Holy See and the German Episcopal Conference: the dialogue begun in 2022 continues. At the center of the conversation is the March agreement to develop concrete forms of exercising Synodality in the Church in Germany. Changes in the name and other aspects of the proposal for a possible national synodal body requested by the Curia: agreement that it is not above or on the same level as the Episcopal Conference
Vatican News
In accordance with the wishes of Pope Francis, representatives of the Roman Curia and the German Bishops’ Conference (CET) met today, 28 June 2024, in the Vatican for further discussions. The dialogue that began with the visit continues. ad limina of the German bishops in November 2022 and continued until the last meeting on March 22, 2024.
Concrete forms of exercising synodality
The dialogue, which lasted one day – a joint note released in the evening reports – was once again characterized by a positive, open and constructive atmosphere. The basis was the agreement of 22 March 2024, which provides for the development of concrete forms of exercising Synodality in the Church in Germany, in accordance with the ecclesiology of the Second Vatican Council, the provisions of Canon Law and the fruits of the Synod of the Universal Church to be presented to the Holy See for approval (recognition).
The meeting of the Synodal Committee
In the exchange, the bishops informed about the latest meeting of the Synodal Committee – temporary work organization – during which the theological foundations and the possibility of the juridical creation of a national synodal body were discussed. Today’s meeting focused on the relationship between the exercise of the episcopal ministry and the promotion of co-responsibility of all the faithful and, in particular, on the aspects of canon law for the establishment of a concrete form of synodality in the Church in Germany. The desire and commitment to is shared strengthen synodality in the life of the Church, with a view to more effective evangelization.
Changes in the proposal for a national synodal body
A Commission established by the Synodal Committee – the press release continues – will deal with questions relating to synodality and the structure of a synodal body. It will work in close contact with a similar Commission composed of representatives of the competent Dicasteries for the drafting of a draft. Two important aspects emerged for the representatives of the Roman Curia: they would like to see a change in the name and in several aspects of the previously formulated proposal for a possible national synodal body. As regards the location of this body, there is agreement on the fact that it is neither above nor at the same level as the Episcopal Conference.
The next talks after the Synod
The question of the future composition of the delegation of the German Bishops’ Conference participating in the dialogue between the representatives of the Roman Curia and those of the Bishops’ Conference itself was also discussed. The discussions will continue after the conclusion of the Synod of the Universal Church and will also discuss other anthropological, ecclesiological and liturgical issues.
The participants
Present for the Roman Curia were Cardinals Victor Manuel Fernandéz, Kurt Koch, Pietro Parolin, Robert F. Prevost, OSA, Arthur Roche and Archbishop Filippo Iannone. Speaking for the German episcopate were Bishops Georg Bätzing, Stephan Ackermann, Bertram Meier and Franz-Josef Overbeck, respectively President of the CET and Presidents of the Episcopal Commissions for the Liturgy, for the Universal Church, and for the Faith, as well as the Secretary General, Beate Gilles, and the Spokesman of the Episcopal Conference, Matthias Kopp.
