The economic problems of the dioceses, the question of Pentecost Monday as a day for ecumenical celebrations, the alarm about growing antisemitism in Europe, the imminent elections of the President of the Republic, and the condemnation of the terrorist attacks in Madrid: these were the issues tackled by Hans Joachim Meyer, president of the ZDK, central Committee of German Catholics, in his keynote address on 19 March. The ZDK coordinates the work of the associations of German laity. Meyer expressed his concern about the financial situation of German dioceses, many of which are having to make drastic economic cuts, and argues that it is “indispensable” for the Episcopal Conference to intervene “to support individual local bishops in their respective tasks”. Commenting on antisemitism, on the occasion of the Week of Brotherhood, Meyer warned of the new spread of the phenomenon in Germany and in Europe. “This so-called new antisemitism is just as dangerous since it mainly seeks justification in the conflicts in the Middle East and presents itself as an integral part of a political opposition”, declared Meyer. He also said that “placing in discussion, explicitly or implicitly, the right to existence and the vital interests of the State of Israel crosses the threshold of antisemitism”. As regards the terrorist attacks in Madrid, Meyer urged that an “even more intensive dialogue” be established, aimed at preventing the “gulf that now risks dividing the world”.
