German Synodal Conference postpones first meeting without Vatican approval of statutes
The German Synodal Conference, a body of 81 members including 27 bishops, has put off its inaugural meeting indefinitely because the Vatican has not approved the statutes that would govern it
The German Synodal Conference has postponed its inaugural meeting indefinitely because the Vatican has not approved its statutes. The body has 81 members, 27 of them bishops, and was intended to make "fundamental decisions of supra-diocesan importance."
Most of Germany's bishops backed the creation of the conference during the German Synodal Way, the reform process run jointly by the German bishops and lay Catholics. The lack of approval from the Holy See has raised uncertainty about the body's future and its ability to carry out its mission.
Germany and Rome
The conference was conceived as a forum to discuss and decide questions affecting the Church in Germany, at a time of efforts to increase lay participation and renew the Church's pastoral work. Its future is now on hold in the absence of agreement with the Vatican.
The Church in Germany
The postponement comes as the Catholic Church in Germany faces falling Mass attendance and the need to revive the faith among the faithful.
