German Catholics Call for Reform, Many Leaving

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May 25, 1:20 PM EDT
German Catholics call for reform, many leaving
By MELISSA EDDY Associated Press
EXCERPTS:
German theologians and others have aired their discontent in a series of petitions to church leaders calling for changes including more transparency, an end to celibacy, and women's ordination.
The Vatican has not responded to the petitions, but the German Bishops Conference sought to address the issue in March by announcing a series of platforms for dialogue "aimed at giving our church in Germany a theological profile and sense of cohesion in this new century."
"The church is no longer speaks to the people. I don't feel that it speaks to me, I don't feel comfortable with these traditions that date back centuries," said an administrator who works in the Augsburg dioceses, but refused to give his name for fear that he would be fired for criticizing the church.

Bridget Mary's Blog
Perhaps, the German Bishops Conference will start a "dialogue" that will lead the Vatican to finally "get it" about how out of touch they are with the needs of God's people today. Of course, empty pews are sending a message. Let's hope that Pope Benedict tunes in. Notice that women's ordination is on the German agenda. The first 7 women priests were ordained in 2002 on the Danube.
Bridget Mary Meehan RCWP
www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org