The president of the German bishops’ conference expressed “great concern” that the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party could win the state election in Saxony-Anhalt next month.
“Ethnic nationalism and Christianity are incompatible,” said Bishop Heiner Wilmer, S.C.J., of Münster. “I am already very grateful for prophetic voices and for people who take to the streets. But I think we should become even more courageous overall. I can imagine even more resistance.”
Asked how he would implement the Vatican’s recent reaffirmation that only clergy are permitted to preach homilies during Mass, Bishop Wilmer said:
Even though I am still quite new as Bishop of Münster, I know that many baptized women and men in our diocese have dealt with this topic for years and have incorporated a culture. I have great respect for this tradition and feel deep gratitude. Of course, I also have respect for the feedback from Rome.
At the same time, I am firmly convinced that the wonderful female and male pastoral workers in our diocese will find a good way to deal with the circumstances. I have great confidence in them and am very grateful to them for their outstanding work and witness.