Germany: Catholic hospitals, “no” cutsDuring the last days, thousands of Catholic hospital workers in the Münster dioceses protested against insufficient government funding. Catholic hospital workers held a national demonstration during their lunch break with various initiatives to denounce their urgent situation to politicians of the Federation, Länder and municipalities “Funds currently allocated by the federal government are insufficient”, the director of Caritas health department of the Münster dioceses, doctor Klaus Schoch said. “Hospitals must pay higher fees and energy costs. Our workers are entitled to fair working conditions and adequate salaries” he added. Already in September, 130,000 doctors and care providers demonstrated in Berlin against indiscriminate hospital cuts. “The politicians’ reaction has been disappointing”, Mr. Schoch commented. “If insufficient funds will continue to be allocated, we will no longer be able to prevent a drop in healthcare quality. And this is unacceptable for patients”, he warned. Mr. Schoch also pointed out how in the last ten years one hospital out of ten has been closed, eliminating one hospital bed out of five, and 100,000 jobs. “At the same time, however, the number of patients and seriousness of illnesses has increased”. This situation is bound to worsen, he concluded “since the costs of materials are booming and staff salaries are increasing”. Ireland: more commitment and less critics to EUThe archbishop of Dublin, Msr. Diarmuid Martin attended the debate on the role of Ireland in Europe saying that his country must commit itself to Europe, where the Irish identity resides, and not give up the Union and just criticize it from the outside. Very meaningful words in view also of a recent survey held by the Irish Times newspaper, in which 43% of voters, after the negative result of the referendum on the Treaty in June, would be in favour: if Ireland had a European Commissioner in the new set up, and as long as the country can preserve its neutrality and the adherence to the Lisbon Treaty doesn’t entail abortion legalization. Celebrating in Dublin a couple of days ago the feast of Saint Laurence O’Toole, the city’s first bishop, Msr. Martin remembered how this saint had established strong ties with Europe as mediator. “Our relation with Europe mustn’t be based on the fear of domination, but one of opportunity, participation and partnership. It is not a problem-free relation”, the archbishop added, “however we must not consider Europe as a threat to our identity but realize that Ireland has the ability to contribute to Europe and change it”. According to the archbishop of Dublin this calls for a stronger policy that acknowledges the enormous value of the European project, and in time, the challenges that the creation of a pluralistic Europe entails in our times”.England: bishops’ plenary sessionThe visit of an archbishop and bishop from Zimbabwe, lessons on sexual education in Catholic schools and a document on dialogue among other faiths. These are the issues addressed by England and Wales’ Catholic bishops at their plenary assembly which was held in the Leeds’ Hinsley Hall. “After last year’s visit of cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor to South Africa, archbishop Robert Ndlovu and bishop Martin Munyanyi travelled from Zimbabwe to England to refer to their peer bishops on the humanitarian and pastoral situation of their country and share moments of prayer” the English Episcopal Conference spokesperson explained. “England and Wales’ bishops examined a report drafted by Birmingham’s archbishop msr. Vincent Nichols, president of the department of education and formation of the Episcopal Conference, on sexual education in Christian schools, that for the first time has become compulsory”, the spokesperson added. “Lessons will be based on Catholic values and parents will be allowed to exempt their children from the classes if they decide to do so”. Archbishop of Liverpool, Msr. Patrick Kelly referred on the Bishops’ Synod to the Word of Rome. The Episcopal Conference announced that a document on the theological and practical aspects of the dialogue will be sent to Rome, to the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious dialogue in the weeks to come. Bishops hope that once they receive back the document with its modifications, they can announce its publication during their next meeting, after Easter of next year.
