Conflict with dissident theologians escalates in Regensburg

Theologians in spite of their bishop.

Munich - In the Diocese of Regensburg, the conflict with the three theology professors who signed a statement critical of the Pope is likely to escalate. The canon lawyer, Sabine Demel, pastoral theologian, Heinz-Günther Schöttler and religious studies lecturer, Burkard Porzelt according to information given to the Süddeutsche Zeitung until early next week to withdraw their signature, and deliver a written apology to Pope Benedict XVI and appear before Bishop Gerhard Ludwig Mueller, to make a profession of Faith and an oath of loyalty. The Regensburg bishop had requested this and threatens appropriate "further steps". These could extend to the withdrawal of the permission to teach.

Before anything Mueller takes exception to the fact that the petition is supported by the lay movement “We Are Church ". The text criticized the lifting of the excommunication of the traditionalist bishop and Holocaust-denier Richard Williamson and expresses the fear that the Pope could allow parts of the church to reject documents of the Second Vatican Council. As a result, the signatories state the Pope had "acted to the detriment of the church," writes the theologian Müller.

According to SZ-information they are not the only ones who have to justify itself: Apparently, the lists after signatories from Regensburg be trimmed, pastors and church employees in the ordinary einbestellt. The canon lawyer Demel called Mueller’s letter "very strange and incomprehensible". She wanted now to discuss with colleagues from the Catholic faculty how to respond to it was. In ecclesiastical circles, it is known that their Department is supporting the three professors .

If the conflict is exacerbated, it is likely to have nationwide, even worldwide religious dimensions. Skilfully, Mueller has also sent his letter to the leaders of the Vatican Congregations for Education and the Doctrine of the Faith and so set myself the spot. The attempts of the Vatican to smooth the waves of excitement around the Holocaust denier Richard Williamson do not make progress. Also, the German bishops at their meeting on 2nd March in Hamburg have to clarify what they think about the tens of thousands of signatories to the petition that protests against the mildness of the Pope towards the anti-Semitic SSPX - just as Christians and Jews were celebrating the "Week of Brotherhood" together.

Cathcon- there has been a meeting between the Bishop and the Faculty today- more soon.

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