Klöckner: People Don’t Need NGO Churches
- BERLIN (AP) — Julia Klöckner, President of the Bundestag, has called on churches in Germany to refocus their efforts on providing pastoral care to congregants rather than engaging...
- Klöckner suggested that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the church coudl have offered "a bit more stability, more in terms of meaning and soul accompaniment." She stated her belief...
- Klöckner also criticized what she sees as a growing tendency among churches to issue statements on everyday issues, behaving "like an NGO" rather than focusing on fundamental questions...
Bundestag President Urges German Churches to Prioritize Pastoral care Over Politics
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BERLIN (AP) — Julia Klöckner, President of the Bundestag, has called on churches in Germany to refocus their efforts on providing pastoral care to congregants rather than engaging in excessive political commentary. In an interview with “Bild am Sonntag,” Klöckner, a member of the CDU party and a trained theologian, addressed the increasing number of people leaving the church, suggesting that the institution isn’t consistently providing the answers people seek.
Church’s Missed Opportunities During COVID-19
Klöckner suggested that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the church coudl have offered “a bit more stability, more in terms of meaning and soul accompaniment.” She stated her belief that the church “really missed a chance” to provide such support during a time of crisis.
Criticism of Churches’ Focus on Daily Topics
Klöckner also criticized what she sees as a growing tendency among churches to issue statements on everyday issues, behaving “like an NGO” rather than focusing on fundamental questions of life and death.She warned that if churches continue down this path, they risk becoming “interchangeable.”
Church Tax and Meaningful Accompaniment
Klöckner questioned the value of church tax contributions when churches focus on trivial matters. “Sure, the church can also comment on the 1st km / h, but I don’t necessarily pay church tax for that,” she said. She emphasized that people expect the church to provide “meaningful accompaniment” and answers to life’s important questions, offering “comfort and stability.”
Personal Faith and Easter Observance
Klöckner shared that she participates in services throughout Easter Day,emphasizing the importance of faith in her life. She quoted her father’s motto: ”You can never fall deeper than in God’s hand.”
Call for a Strong Voice on Core Issues
In a previous interview with Cologne’s “Domradio,” Klöckner expressed her desire for the churches to have a strong public voice, notably on core issues such as bioethics, abortion, and euthanasia.She stated,”I would like my church that it is steadfast and does not automatically see whether there is applause or not.”
Bundestag President Urges German Churches: A Call for Pastoral Care
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what is the main message from the President of the Bundestag, Julia Klöckner, regarding German churches?
Julia Klöckner, the President of the Bundestag, is urging German churches to shift their focus. According to her, churches should prioritize pastoral care for their congregations rather of concentrating heavily on political commentary.This is based on an interview with “Bild am Sonntag.”
Why does Julia Klöckner believe this shift is necessary?
Klöckner believes a shift is needed because she observes a growing number of people leaving the church. Also, she suggests the church may not consistently provide the answers and support individuals seek.