Steinmeier expresses sorrow over churches' diminished significance.

Religious institution - Steinmeier expresses sorrow over churches' diminished significance.

"To mark the starting of the Catholic Day, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier bemoaned the shrinking importance of churches and urged people to have a frank discussion about it. He stressed the significance of Christians in standing up for democracy and aiding the economically disadvantaged, the marginalized, and those in dire need. 'I profoundly regret that the churches are unfortunately experiencing a huge loss in reverence and trust,' Steinmeier said on Wednesday in Erfurt. 'One might have to acknowledge a significant shift in times.'

For this year's 103rd German Catholic Day, with close to 500 activities, it's estimated that approximately 20,000 individuals will visit the Thuringian state capital by Sunday - a considerable drop when compared to previous Catholic Days. While addressing church-specific matters like the abuse crisis and changes, there are overarching themes such as war and peace, populism, and democracy.

'Is the message too feeble?'

In his pre-prepared address for the opening, Steinmeier pointed out that certain reasons behind the diminishing sway were self-imposed, including 'the horrendous reality of mass abuse as well as the long history of its concealment.' Furthermore, there seems to be an increasing detachment when it comes to religion in large swaths of society. 'Do the churches offer too little stimulus?', asked the Federal President. 'Is their message too understated, too insipid, too undemanding?'

Many people search for purpose and guidance in their life's journey, Steinmeier continued. 'The fundamental question we as Christians and as a church must ask ourselves is: Are these eager seekers finding persuasive responses, finding spiritual guidance, finding compassionate support in our congregations, parishes, and initiatives?'

'My restlessness is immense'

Irme Stetter-Karp, head of the Central Committee of Catholics and the Catholic Day, demanded more change from her church. 'My restlessness is immense, and it's not just mine,' said Stetter-Karp shortly before the opening. She expects the bishops and the Pope to 'finally seize control' of the situation. The abuse scandal has severely eroded trust - the church is in crisis.

The Catholic Day is being held in Erfurt for the first time - and for the first time in the secular East Germany where Catholic Christians are a tiny minority. Stetter-Karp noted that the Catholic Day in Erfurt was not a home game. 'Yet, is there even a home game for Catholics in Germany? I don't think so.'

Regarding the ordination of women?

Erfurt's Bishop Ulrich Neymeyr acknowledged the need for reform, particularly in regard to the role of women in the church. 'A significant portion of Catholic women and men in Germany, as well as many bishops, would like to see openness towards the ordination of women - at least for deaconesses,' said Neymeyr on ZDF. 'We're a long way from the consensus in society on this matter.'

Several politicians have confirmed their attendance for the upcoming days, along with Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) and Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck (Greens). The theme of the event is 'Humanity has a future of peace.' The Central Committee of German Catholics - an umbrella organization for the laity in the church - has already vouched for the right to self-defense via a resolution. However, violence should only be used if it is legalized by international law. Also, the ZdK General Assembly decided to work on the church's complicity in stigmatizing queer identities in the past."

The German Bishops' Conference approximates that there are 20.9 million Catholics in Germany. The Diocese of Erfurt has roughly 137,000 members in its church.

Link to informationLink to the program

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1. During the Catholic Day celebrations in Erfurt, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier lamented the loss of significance facing churches in Germany, encouraging a critical discussion about this trend.
2. The German Catholic Day, marked annually with around 500 activities, attracts an estimated 20,000 visitors to Erfurt on Sunday, a striking decrease from previous years.
3. Steinmeier addressed the widespread detachment from religion and self-imposed issues like the abuse crisis as reasons for the churches' diminishing influence in society.
4. Bishop Ulrich Neymeyr acknowledged the need for reforms, particularly surrounding women's roles in the church, as many wish to see women ordained as deacons, although there is no consensus in German society on this matter.
5. Merging themes of war and peace, democracy, and populism were highlighted during the German Catholic Day, coinciding with political figures like Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck attending the event.
6. The Central Committee of German Catholics advocated for the right to self-defense and condemned the past stigmatization of queer identities by the church, encouraging further introspection and change.

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