Summary
In a statement published on January 31, 2026, under the title “Synodale Sackgasse der Anderskatholischen” (“The Synodal Dead End of the Alternative Catholics”), Dr. Thorsten Paprotny critiqued the German Catholic Church’s synodal process and its outcomes. The document discussed a brief but unsuccessful attempt at resolving internal disputes within the German Catholic Church through the “Synodale Weg,” or Synodal Path, initiated in 2019 by then-Pope Francis. The document highlighted several controversial decisions made during this period, including the rejection of the “Ordinatio sacerdotalis” (ordination for male priests) proposal and the development of a new moral teaching that appeared to be overly influenced by contemporary values. The synodal process also involved an official statement supporting actions taken by the Church in response to sexual abuse allegations, emphasizing its commitment to addressing systemic issues related to sexual violence. While acknowledging the world’s challenges such as climate change, poverty, and natural disasters, Paprotny argued that these should not overshadow the primary duty of the Church to preach hope. The document concluded with a statement affirming the German Catholic Church’s stance as “hoped-filled,” despite its acknowledgment of ongoing difficulties in handling serious issues like sexual abuse. Throughout the process, the synodal committee avoided addressing fundamental questions about God and Christ, focusing instead on societal concerns such as climate change and socio-economic challenges. The document emphasized that the German Catholic Church aimed to stand with humanity in both words and actions, promoting a future-oriented approach despite apparent struggles.
Key Topics
Synodale Weg, Hoffnung, Angst und Leid
