German bishops go it alone on reform procedure

by Christa Pongratz-Lippitt

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While the bishops deeply appreciated celibacy how far it was always necessary for the priesthood was something 'we will find out'

Cardinal Reinhard Marx (centre back), Archbishop of Munich and Freising and President of the German Bishops' Conference, as well as archbishops and cardinals, leave the Cathedral after the opening service of the Fall Plenary Assembly of the German Bishops' Conference in 2018
Photo: Arne Dedert/DPA/PA Images

The German bishops have decided to adopt a “binding synodal procedure” that will reduce clerical power. The procedure, that will also address clerical sexual abuse and the celibacy rule, is to be organised together with the Central Committee of German Lay Catholics (ZdK), and will be made up of three forums.

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