Church between tradition and politics: a dialogue for the future!

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Paderborn's Archbishop Bentz emphasizes the dialogue between church and politics. CDU criticism of church influence in the election campaign.
Paderborn's Archbishop Bentz emphasizes the dialogue between church and politics. CDU criticism of church influence in the election campaign. (Symbolbild/ANAG)

In a current interview, Paderborn's archbishop Udo Markus Bentz expressed that the Catholic Church does not want to limit itself to "pious topics". This happens against the background of an increasing criticism of the church of politics. Bundestag president Julia Klöckner (CDU) had previously questioned the position of the church as one that behaves "like an NGO" with current topics. However, Bentz cannot be restricted by the political guidelines in his work and emphasizes that he does not want to be missed by anyone.  Church and Life reports that Bentz perceives irritations between the Union and the church, but also many conversations and a lively exchange emphasized.

Bentz explains that the church should stay out of daily policy in the election campaign so as not to be involved in campaign tactics. At the same time, he sees the gospel as a socio -politically changing force and wants to set political markings. The archbishop wants to remain neutral, while he still represents concrete positions. In this regard, he recognizes both consensus and Dissens across party political borders and emphasizes the importance of staying in conversation. Where this succeeds, he sees the church as a strong partner for solving social challenges.

reactions to Klöckner's claims

parallel to the statements of Bentz there are also important political developments. Julia Klöckner, as Federal Minister of Agriculture, has requested fundamental changes in the meat market. Your goal is to prevent the constant price war and problematic conditions in the industry. This discussion was initiated after the Corona outbreak at Tönnies, where Klöckner met with industry and association representatives in Düsseldorf. In this context, she announced the testing of pricing and food advertising testing in order to proceed against lure prices. The minister warns that there will be no second chance for the industry and is committed to a voluntary animal welfare logo that is supposed to mark meat from a better attitude. The discussion about a possible animal welfare is also on the agenda. om online Cooperation with CDU members such as Ursula Heinen-Esser and Barbara Otte-Kinast took place.

The influence of churches and social challenges

The issues discussed, both in politics and within the church, have their roots in the longstanding relationship between the state and the church. According to an analysis of developments in Europe, cooperative models have developed between the two institutions over the centuries, which are particularly visible in the education and social field. katholisch.de states that church representatives sit in round functions and try to influence socio-political issues such as gender identity or abortion. The CDU has historically known to the Christian faith, but social change leads to a decline in the influence of the churches on socio -political issues. This has also been shown in the opening of the marriage in Germany, where only 25% of the CDU members voted for the law.

These developments illustrate the challenges that both the church and politics are facing. The influence of the churches decreases, while social changes continue to progress. The churches try to defend their influence, but they are faced with the question of how they should position themselves in a changing social climate.

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