A new beginning for the laity

A few days ago the Katholikentag, the traditional meeting of German Catholic laity, titled "Daring a new beginning", was held in Mannheim. Sarah Numico for SIR Europe interviewed Stefan Vesper, secretary general of the Central Committee of Catholic Germans (ZDK) on this event and its prospects for the future.How would you define this edition of the Katholikentag (what were its expectations and challenges)? "As a result of the upset caused by cases of sexual abuse by members of the Church over the past decades, it was important to contribute, with the Katholikentag, to restore a renewed confidence to Catholics and in the Church as a whole. I believe we succeeded in our objective. Alois Glück, ZDK president, delivered a speech at the end of the closing Mass, welcomed by a long applause. He said: ‘We have experienced a living Church, marked by deep and vital faith. Moreover, it can be said that the situation of our Church is much more than the sum of its flaws. Many great things happen in our Church and in the name of the Church, but also through the many Catholics acting as citizens under their own responsibility!’. In the ‘Kirchenmeile’, the meeting point of the Katholikentag, I witnessed with joy the multifaceted commitments of ecclesiastic communities, associations and organizations". In this edition of the Katholikentag Europe is at the centre also owing to the presence of representatives of Bishops’ Conferences in debates and events. Which idea of Europe emerges from this assembly?"For us it’s very important that many Catholics from other European Countries attend the Katholikentag. We expect several hundreds and over a dozen bishops. The European project is very dear to us and as ZDK we shared a statement in which we exhort not to think of Europe on the basis of its limits but of its opportunities. Europe is too ‘badly’ spoken of. During the Katholikentag we presented the European project as a project of peace. European unification is a unique world project and a historical necessity. We believe that owing to the financial crisis it is crucial to undertake a reflection on the spiritual foundations of the European unification project. I hope that the Katholikentag helped ‘strengthen the ongoing network’ of lay Catholics and of European bishops. I am pleased that also representatives of the European Forum of National Committees for the Laity (ELF), of the Council of the Bishops’ Conferences of Europe (CCEE) as well as the representatives of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Community (COMECE) attended the meeting".Which face of the German Church emerges from the katholikentag?"The face of a living and varied Church. We believe that this variety is not a danger but a richness. In our Country several hundred thousand people are committed for the Church. Is this not a treasure? In Mannheim this could be seen by the over 200 stalls present across the city. This commitment is marked by a great deal of energy, personal commitment and ‘witness’, that we can only be happy about it. It’s also important to say that there was a lengthy debate in Mannheim: in an open, free way, without fears, limits or prohibitions. All of us, the bishops and the laity alike, shared our views. This is an important part of our common dialogue, which we conducted with honesty and productive cooperation. To this regard, I would like to mention once more Alois Glück, who said: ‘We consulted each other, we discussed and freely debated with freedom of spirit and speech, in respect for each other’s positions. This culture of dialogue must become the criteria that ought to be applied within all of our ecclesial debates’. If we manage to talk together in peace, in an honest and free way, this will avoid also the tensions perceivable in Austria. Also for this reason, the Katholikentag is a great opportunity". "Daring a new beginning" was the title of the meeting. So, according to you, which is the direction of this new beginning?"We wanted and we still want a new beginning, a new departure, inside the Church and in society. The German press refers of themes regarding the Church – I must say unfortunately though – that on social issues. We believe that it is necessary to have a new lifestyle to address the major challenges of our times: from climate change to demographic changes, from energy crisis to world poverty. On these issues, during Katholikentag we sought solutions and answers with the presence of a large numbers of experts. Obviously it is a process: the world can’t be changed in five days of Katholikentag. But Catholics discuss between each other and they are put in the condition of being committed inside society in qualified manner. In any case, I believe that two days of a great work of preparation for the event were worthwhile. Among other things, Mannheim is the hometown of Alfred Delp, killed by the Nazis. We remembered his words: ‘Let’s trust life, since God lives with us!’".