It was a bang: Munich Archbishop Reinhard Marx wants to resign.
Dean Thomas Neuberger thinks that this step deserves respect.
Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen
- When dean Thomas Neuberger read the message on his mobile phone on Friday morning that Cardinal Reinhard Marx wanted to resign, he was first of all “incredulous”.
But after a while he came to the conclusion that exactly this radical step suited Marx.
"He never minced his mouth, but he never spared himself either."
The clergyman from Dietramszell pays the Archbishop of Munich respect for his decision.
"It shows character to go in advance." Others would sit out the debate about sexual abuse and "just wait and see what comes next." Not mentioned, but meant: the Cologne Cardinal Woelki, who in the process of clarifying sexual violence kidnapped to his archbishopric and which the Vatican has now provided with visitors.
Delaying, keeping quiet, ducking away: that was never Marx's business.
Church: There is a lot of talk but little action
Neuberger - who knows the archbishop from occasional dean conferences - was astonished by the formulation of the “dead point” at which the church had reached. He can only speculate what that means. "Possibly he is expressing his frustration that the reform process is taking so long." Much in terms of the participation of lay people, women had been initiated since the Second Vatican Council 1962 to 1965. But: "There is a lot of talk and little action."
Josef Kellner, chairman of the Eglingen parish council, is downright shocked by the phrase “dead point”.
“When such a high-ranking clergyman who is close to the Vatican says something like that, then one wonders what is going on there.” He fears that resigning will “trigger an avalanche”.
The next few days would bring more clarity.
Whether the 67-year-old Marx acted wisely.
The Eglinger suspects “that the harm will be greater than the benefit”.
Maybe the step will trigger an avalanche
Kellner himself values the Archbishop of Munich very much.
To date, he has maintained the attitude of a prince of the church, but “always held the reins in his hand”.
He also got a “very positive impression” from a workshop with parish councils.
Nevertheless: "I have great doubts whether this is the right way."
Also read: Pastor Friedl leaves the parish association
The studied theologian Sissy Mayrhofer from Waldram - active in the church as a parish councilor, lecturer and communion helper - always found Marx's statements "remarkable".
She also always appreciated the fact that he “told the truth without makeup”.
In this respect, she regrets the step.
The Waldramer woman sometimes has her problems with the official church: “I cannot sign everything that comes with all my heart.” Pope Francis, who “wants to find a way with honesty, offers consolation in these difficult times”.
She thinks: It is about time that the church finally arrives in the present, especially when it comes to ethics.
Also read: This is what the Waldram song is all about
Wolfratshausen-Geretsried-Newsletter:
Everything from your region! Our brand new Wolfratshausen-Geretsried newsletter informs you regularly about all the important stories from the region - including all the news about the corona crisis in your community. Sign up here.