- New Clergy Leader of Osnabrück Swears Loyalty Oath
The freshly selected Catholic Priest in charge of Osnabrück, Dominicus Meier, has committed his loyalty to Lower Saxony's Prime Minister, Stephan Weil (SPD), as per tradition. During his address, Bishop Dominicus touched upon the combined duty of church and state to promote the welfare of the local inhabitants, their rights, and essentially, safeguarding their dignity, protected by the Constitution, throughout their lives.
This was voiced during a formal event held at the State Government's Guest House in Hanover.
Weil: Parallel Aims for Church and State
Lower Saxony's administration anticipates productive collaboration and extends best wishes to Bishop Dominicus in his Diocese of Osnabrück role. The Diocese serves as the Catholic community's representative in Lower Saxony and plays a significant role in the state's interactions.
"Church and state share the objective of bolstering societal unity, fostering a considerate and cooperative existence, and preserving nature," expressed Weil.
Bishop Dominicus assumed control over the Osnabrück diocese on May 28, following the retirement of Franz-Josef Bode the previous year. With approximately 520,000 Catholics, the Diocese of Osnabrück spans vast areas of western Lower Saxony and Bremen's city. Today's oath-swearing ceremony aims to dedicate the diocesan priests to the country's free and democratic fundamental structure.
Bishop Dominicus's oath of loyalty was sworn not only to Prime Minister Weil but also to the state of Lower Saxony, which encompasses Hanover and the Diocese of Osnabrück, where Bishop Dominicus serves as the representative of the Catholic community. The administration of Lower Saxony looks forward to a fruitful collaboration with Bishop Dominicus in his role as the head of the Diocese of Osnabrück.
