Future in view: Bishop Gerber calls for responsibility and solidarity

On New Year's Eve, Bishop Dr. Michael Gerber in the Fulda Cathedral a special service, which dealt with future prospects and the Christian-charitable mandate. In his speech, he thanked the many people who are socially committed and referred to a passage from the current encyclical of Pope Francis, in which Christian responsibility is emphasized for all people.

gerber called on to maintain a more conscious handling of dissenters, excluded and strangers. He emphasized the importance of respecting each individual and saw Christianity as a universal dynamic that focuses on responsibility for people beyond their own borders. For future challenges, alliances and coalitions are necessary, also between religious and secular groups.

Current challenges and a look into the future

The question of whether certain forms of religiosity leads to a deeper awareness of God and human dignity is particularly relevant against the background of the final report of the independent commission for the processing of sexual violence in the diocese of Fulda. Gerber emphasized that society holds together because many people do more for the common good than it is required by law.

A central idea for the future design of the church in Fulda lies in what serves life instead of only saving real estate or institutions. It is about growth in personal development, sustainable relationships and the relationship with God. In this context, Gerber also mentioned the Holy Year 2025, which was opened by Pope Francis in St. Peter's Basilica.

The service was musically framed by the Fulda cathedral choir, the youth cathedral choir and former choir members. The management of the choir was in the hands of cathedral conductor Franz-Peter Huber, while the organists Ulrich Dölle (organ) and Ulrich Moormann (choral organ) provided musical accompaniment.

dr. Michael Gerber was born on January 15, 1970 in Oberkirch in the Archdiocese of Freiburg and completed his studies in Freiburg im Breisgau and Rome. He was ordained a priest on May 11, 1997 and had various activities, including Vicar and in the Freiburg priest seminar. In 2013, Pope Francis appointed him the titular bishop of Migirpa and Auxiliary Bishop in the Archdiocese of Freiburg, before he was appointed Bishop of Fulda in 2018, an office that he has been doing since March 31, 2019. Since September 2023 he has also been the deputy chairman of the German Bishops' Conference and heads the Commission for Spiritual Professions and Church Services.