Spring Meeting of Bishops: Discussions Follow Criticism of C-Party Alliances

The spring assembly of the German Bishops' Conference is taking place at Kloster Steinfeld in Kall near Aachen, with a focus on the relationship between politics and religion. This gathering comes in the wake of tensions between church leaders and the CDU/CSU parties regarding their collaboration with the Alternative for Germany (AfD) in parliamentary votes.

Recent statements from Karl Jüsten, the Berlin representative of the Bishops' Conference, alongside Anne Gidion from the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD), condemned the joint actions of the CDU/CSU with the AfD, particularly criticizing the rhetoric used in the migration debate. They expressed concern that certain proposals aimed at limiting migration could undermine foundational principles of the European Union and may even be deemed unconstitutional.

In response to this criticism, members of the Unions parties expressed their displeasure. Notably, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, the former chair of the CDU, resigned from her position on the Central Committee of German Catholics (ZdK) due to disagreements over the church's stance on migration policy.

CSU leader Markus Söder urged church officials to exercise greater restraint in political matters. He suggested that they should focus on more traditionally Christian themes, such as advocacy for the protection of unborn life, during their discussions.

However, Cardinal Reinhard Marx of Munich firmly rejected Söder's recommendations, asserting that the church has the autonomy to determine its own positions and areas of focus. Marx emphasized that the church's mission encompasses broader societal issues, not just religious-oriented topics.

Despite this, there are some bishops who would have preferred that the church maintained a lower profile during the current election cycle. Regensburg Bishop Rudolf Voderholzer expressed his frustration regarding the church's vocal stance at this politically sensitive time.

Additional topics on the agenda for this assembly, which will continue until Thursday, include the situation of Christians in Syria, the ongoing efforts to address and prevent sexual abuse within the church, and the reform process known as the Synodal Way.