Cardinal rejects favouring Christian refugees and wants no limits placed on asylum seekers

Archbishop of Cologne, Cardinal Rainer Woelki, accuses the CSU of creating a split in society. With their demands for limits on refugees or a preference for immigrants from the Western Christian culture the party contributes to even greater polarization and is in the same business of the right-wing populists of the AFD. "I do not think much of parroting afterwards what others have thought about wrongly beforehard," Woelki told the "Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger".

The Cardinal celebrated the Corpus Christi Mass 

this year on a model of a refugee boat

A preference for Christian refugees, as the CSU discussed at their executive meeting this weekend, would be "exactly the opposite of what we must be concerned about as Christians: creating spaces for encounter and to know each other".

"We now need clear, reliable rules for immigration in the future," said CSU leader Horst Seehofer.

Seehofer: "Without limitation, we will not make it"

The Archbishop called on the CSU to be loyal to the German constitution. "If the CSU accepts the basic law seriously, they cannot support an upper limit. This does not allow the right of asylum. And the right of asylum must remain as it is. "Therefore, according Woelki, "the nonsensical discussion of limits must stop. "

AfD does not deserve the label "Christian"

He warned the CSU also from assuming they could benefit from a policy and rhetoric of agitation. "Who wants what the CSU touted votes in the end equally for the AFD. They will have the last laugh."

In a joint reception of the Archdiocese and the Diocesan Council of Catholics, the laity representation in the archdiocese, Woelki considered the result of the state elections in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern a week ago with 21 percent of the vote for the AFD as "terrible" and as a "disturbing challenge". He disputed the label “Christian” for the right-wing populist party and the positions that they take.

"Christians do not discriminate according to origin, race or religion, but recognize in every human being the image of God." Whoever wants to defend the "Christian-Western tradition," should give space to the values of the Constitution and provide for the human dignity of each individual the Cardinal continued. He called for the social consensus to be respected, which the populists of right and left threatened to squander with their slogans. "The language is brutalized language. It is argued and lived at the cost of others.

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Refugee boat used as Corpus Christi altar by Cologne Cardinal

Cologne - A seven-metre long refugee boat is to be sited in the middle of Cologne as a memorial. The Archdiocese of Cologne has purchased the wooden former fishing boat that was seized by the Maltese army several years ago in a rescue operation. In cooperation with the charity Moas, it will brought to the cathedral city and is expected here next week, the archdiocese said on Friday. Cardinal Rainer Woelki wants to celebrate the Corpus Christi Mass on the boat on 26 May in Cologne's Roncalliplatz . After that it will be used in the Archdiocese for events. The ship type was often used by Libyan smugglers for transport to Italy.

The boat is to remember the thousands of deaths in the Mediterranean and the suffering of the refugees. According to the Archdiocese, Cardinal Woelki wants to point out that the fundamental problems have not been resolved, even if the number of refugees currently is falling back in Germany. The setting up of the boat will be linked to the 23,000 Chimes Event in which 230 churches a year ago recalled the 23,000 refugees who have arrived since 2000 in the Mediterranean. Since these bells were rung more than 3,327 people have died on the journey in unsafe boats on the Mediterranean Sea, reported the Archdiocese with reference to the refugee agency UNHCR.

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See previous story Corpus Christi in Linz.
And also below a video of Dixieland Jazz Corpus Christi.

Cardinal calls for rapid deportations

Clear words: The Cologne Cardinal, Rainer Woelki in favour of a rapid and consistent deportation of refugees from safe countries of origin, such as Albania.

"As a rule, Albanians who come to us cannot invoke the right of asylum in the Basic Law", Woelki said on Wednesday to the "Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger".

Return refugees consistently

The 59-year-old who currently is visiting Albania and Kosovo, therefore considers it right to send them back, "moreover consistently, so as not to stir up the hope for every individual, maybe that they as one of hundreds or thousands of newcomers can then just be allowed to stay".

Given a large number of poverty refugees, the right of asylum should be protected from abuse, demanded Woelki. "We cannot overcome the problem of poverty by trying to solve the problem of asylum."

What was needed was an immigration law, "which allows the people from countries such as Albania, legal entry and a perspective on life in Germany," said the Cardinal. The intention of the Federal Government is to declare Albania and Kosovo in future as "safe countries of origin". This would make it difficult for those immigrating from there to claim their fundamental right to asylum in Germany.

Proposals to reduce the allowance for refugees, Woelki called outlandish and spoke of attempts of politics, to conduct the refugee debate " on the backs of those affected".
Specifications in Germany apply for each refugee

The requirements of the Federal Constitutional Court are clear. "They apply to anyone who comes to us", underlined the Archbishop. One also cannot compare salaries and cost of living in a country like Albania with the German level. "Therefore, the idea is absurd, 'Poverty refugees' - a terrible word by the way! – wishing to put them in a worse position than asylum seekers or Hartz IV recipients ".

The Cardinal showed openness for a "national refugee pact" as part of a genuine welcoming culture. "We need to further pull together socially and thereby give ourselves economic challenges. Since all social groups are needed to be involved, why not in a national pact?" said Woelki. The churches would make our contribution.

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This Christmas scene is rubbish- literally

 The crib in the Protestant Church Association of the Cologne region shows Christmas as a celebration between consumption and contemplation. (Cathcon: rather what Protestantism can do to culture and art.)



 "Follow the star to traditional and international Christmas crib art" until January 6, 2015 at the 19th Cologne Christmas Crib Path. At over 110 stations across Cologne, international crib art is on offer at the highest level, organized and hosted by the Rheinstil Kulturmanagement

On display are traditional Christmas cribs from various historical periods, contemporary artists and traditional popular Christmas cribs from many cultures. The cribs are to be found at publicly accessible locations such as shop windows, in cultural and religious institutions, in Cologne Central Station, at the Christmas markets and in many Catholic and Protestant churches, who are taking part in the Crib Path. 

In contrast, a very moving Crib in the main station- showing a Crib set in the shadow of the ruins of Cologne Cathedral in 1945.

 

Complete with the Cardinal Archbishop and two servers (just visible behind) on their way to pay homage to the King of Kings.

As it was

 




The days when Cologne was more fully Catholic- scenes from the German Catholic Day in 1956, including Cardinal Frings who was later to do such damage at the Vatican Council by breaking the power of the curia, with a speech drafted for him by a young Joseph Ratzinger.




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Cardinal- "We do not need such "saviours of the West""

Cardinal Rainer Woelki has been Archbishop of Cologne for three months. In this interview he talks about the construction sites in the Archdiocese, the controversies regarding the family in the Church and the challenges posed by anti-Islamic groups. 

CBA: Your Eminence, are all your moving boxes now unpacked? 

Woelki: No, there are still some in the hall, and my books are not yet arranged properly. The works in this house continue. So it will take a bit of time until I have finally arrived - at least as far as the housing situation here is concerned.

CBA: But your diary is certainly full. Do you feel like a third of Germans, under constant time pressure? 

Woelki: Especially in these Advent days, I sometimes am rushing from one appointment to the next. But I try to use my morning and evening periods of silence to internally prepare for Christmas. 

CBA: Do you do that before going to sleep? 

Woelki: I try in the evening always examie my conscience. I'm voting for it aware of the chapel. 

CBA: What is currently the largest "construction site" in the Archdiocese of Cologne? 

Woelki: Certainly the situation of many refugees. Here I am very grateful for the commitment of Caritas and the parishes. We support that with our "Action for New neighbors". Another challenge for me is to further explore the diocese. In addition, we will soon be discussing with the various bodies new priorities such as the pastoral plan and the distribution of personnel. Overall, we must see how we can handover the faith more to society. This is because, as a church, we are sent to the people. 

CBA: The income from the church tax increases, while the churches are empty, even in Cologne. Has the German church too much money and too little living faith? 

Woelki: With the church tax, we are actually well financed. Also thanks to the good economic conditions, revenue is currently increasing. We use these funds for the people which shows something about our commitment to refugees. In addition, there is an urgent need to rekindle the faith. I think the strong commitment of the Archdiocese of Cologne to refugee relief gives us a good opportunity to rediscover the faith and deepen it. Pope Francis wants us to evangelize the poor. One must not forget: As one of the largest employers we have obligations for pension and social welfare of our approximately 50,000 employees.

"Use the possibilities for marriage annulment" 

CBA: The survey for the family Synod triggered by Pope Francis shows that most Catholics quarrel with the Church's teaching on marriage, family and sexuality. How can this gap between the official church and the people continue? 

Woelki: That partnership and sexuality became seen in a more differentiated manner in the course of history and also lived differently, belongs to our humanity. The Church and the Synod now focus on fundamental issues such as the strengthening of the family and of sacramental marriage. This is an important difference from the many communities that have formed today into a pluralistic society. 

CBA: Dealing with divorced and remarried also involves conflict. Where do you see solutions? 

Woelki: The Pope has now told that we should not narrow down the question only to the reception of the sacraments. We must take this seriously. Dealing with remarried is an important pastoral challenge for us. Pope Benedict XVI has already made the remarks that the persons concerned should of course belong to church and community and can play a role here. Moreover, we should put more strongly into the foreground the possibilities offered us in ecclesiastical law by the instrument of marriage annulment. 

CBA: Is the church on the threshold of an ordeal? 

Woelki: I would rather speak of a process of searching. For me, it shows the vitality of the Church that controversy is used to find a path. I am sure that in the end the result will be that maintains unity and does not come to a split. 

CBA: The question of how euthanasia should be regulated in the future, currently splits both Christians and non-Christians. Where do you stand? 

Woelki: It is quite clear that life for us as Christians - Catholic as well as Protestant- is a gift of God - and thus also a task. Dying is included in this. Everyone has the right to a dignified death. Therefore, I am grateful that in politics there is a greater awareness that we need to expand palliative and hospice care. I believe that many people's fear of dying can be removed if they know and experience the possibilities of pain medicine and personal accompaniment. 

CBA: If the church involved in such ethical discussions today? 

Woelki: In my experience, yes. I am also glad that the two churches in ethical questions - though unfortunately not all - are together and are perceived as being together. We should present this externally to a greater degree. 

CBA: A question for the Caritas bishop in Germany: What about after the recent decision of the Constitutional Court to liberalize ecclesiastical employment law?

Woelki: The judgment has brought legal certainty for the churches. But it is not about an ecclesiastical privilege, but it also protects the self-determination of all ideological communities in a neutral state.

Ecclesiastical employment law: Examining more the individual case 

CBA: What exactly does that mean for church employees? 

Woelki: Not everyone who has married again civilly is dismissed from the church. That is a black and white painting, which does not reflect reality. We bishops will now take again the Church's labor in the view. We will be more than ever look at the individual case. In many areas of Caritas and church, employees are not necessarily bound with loyalty obligations of the Church. Women and men in the proclamation of the Gospel however must live according to the teachings of the church to fulfill its mission authentically. 

 CBA: As in Berlin, a large number of Muslims in the Archdiocese of Cologne. How to promote peace between religions - even in the face of many militant Salafists? 

Woelki: Christianity and Islam combine in the belief in a merciful God. Violence is never justifiable on religious grounds. There are unfortunately perversions both in the history of Christianity and Islam. These growths cannot be equated with religion. It is wrong to discriminate overall against Muslims in the face of violent excesses from the terrorist militia "Islamic State". On the other hand, militant Salafists look for nothing in a pluralistic constitutional state. In contrast, the way forward is to proceed by legal means. 

CBA: In contrast, counter-movements such as "Hooligans against Salafis" or "Patriots of Europe against Islamization of the West" (Pegida) take advantage of this mood. 

Woelki: We do not need such “saviours for the West”. We have to solve these challenges by legal means. It is good that the social groups and the Church have called for counter-demonstrations on Monday. 

 Source

The Cardinal at a "bring your own instrument" concert.

Georg Gänswein to succeed Cardinal Meisner in Cologne?

Benedict's private secretary could follow Cardinal Joachim Meisner,
Which tasks could Georg Gänswein, the private secretary of Benedict XVI soon take over? At 56 years, he is undoubtedly too young for the retirement, into which the Pope himself has passed last week. Initially, Gänswein remains at the side of his former boss and moved with him to Castel Gandolfo. But for how long?

In recent weeks, there has been speculation that the native of South Baden either will remain in the Vatican, where in view of his many contacts he is more likely to have a major impact, or that he will return to Germany to be a iocesan bishop. Maybe in Hamburg or in his home Archbishopric of Freiburg? The Archbishops Werner Thissen and Robert Zollitsch are 75 this year and therefore must offer their resignation to the pope.

On the other hand, these two dioceses are probably not the first choice of someone who has come to be known by the global Church as the closest collaborator of the Pope. Likely different from these, the Archdiocese of Cologne. Even here in the not too distant future, the post of Chief Pastor is free. Cardinal Joachim Meisner is 80 years old at Christmas and celebrates in February next year his 25th Anniversary as Archbishop in Cologne. By then he will probably resign.

The "Bild" newspaper reported yesterday that Meisner in these days had already prepared in Rome Gänswein's leap to the top of the Cologne Church and only had to obtain the agreement of the future Pope. Behind closed doors, part of the scenario was confirmed in the circles of the Cologne Archdiocese- but personnel around Gänswein dismissed it as speculation. It was assumed that Meisner will take care of the succession, while he was in office, was reported from Cologne.

That would mean that the cathedral chapter in the election of a new archbishop is irrelevant. In Cologne, the procedure is laid down that out of the various proposals sent to Rome, the Pope compiles a list of three from which the 15-member cathedral chapter, consisting of auxiliary bishops and other high-ranking priests in the archdiocese, selects a candidate.

The head of the Diocesan Council, the highest body of the laity in the Archdiocese, Thomas Nickel, does not believe that Meisner still cares about the succession plan. The Cathedral Chapter will be responsible for the election. And Gänswein? "I got to know him as a very likeable person and party," Nickel said yesterday. But there are also still other possible contenders for the archbishopric in Cologne.

By the way: The relationship between Meisner and Gänswein has apparently not been tension free recently. A few weeks ago,on the question of whether the change of position of Meisner's on the matter of the "morning after pill" had been agreed with the Vatican, Gänswein accused Meisner of having told a lie.


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Cardinal absolutely insists SSPX must fully accept Council.

Cologne's Cardinal Joachim Meisner insists that the SSPX must fully recognise the Magisterium of the Pope and the Second Vatican Council. This includes the decrees on religious freedom, the relationship with the Jews and the current form of the liturgy, according to a post published on Friday on the Internet platform "direktzu.kardinal-meisner.de" (Cathcon- cannot find the original- suspect Domradio have jumped the gun). A return of the SSPX to the communion of the Catholic Church also presupposes that it was withdrawing its accusations against the pope that he was not orthodox. "Whoever wholly or partly rejects doctrinal statements, cannot be in full communion with the Church ," said Meisner. He points out that the Pope has repeatedly expressed his appreciation for the Jewish faith and the importance of dialogue between Christians and Jews. Pope Benedict XVI during World Youth Day 2005 in Cologne, visited the local synagogue and quoted his predecessor John Paul II: "whoever meets Jesus Christ meets Judaism."

Cathcon- one doctrinal standard for the vast majority of Catholics and another especially strict one for the SSPX. The comments about total acceptance are in direct contradiction to Archbishop Müller (perhaps Cardinal Woelki- will double check on this point).

Source

Cardinal thinks SSPX reconciliation will take time

KATH.NET - Katholischer Nachrichtendienst

Cologne's Cardinal Joachim Meisner: Although there is speculation a lot of speculation in the media, obviously the talks between the Holy See and the SSPX are not complete.

The Cologne Cardinal Joachim Meisner can conceive of the SSPX in pastoral care in the long term, after a reconciliation has occured. The talks between the Holy See and the SSPX are not yet completed, Meisner said on Monday to the web platform, "www.direktzumkardinal.de". Therefore, he would ask for understanding that he will consider co-operation in the ministry only after successful reintegration . This presupposes that the people responsible bear witness to "the faith in accordance with the teachings of the Church and the Successor of Peter ."

But even if this should succeed, before working together again, a building of confidence is required. Meisner cited the 40-year division of the German government, which also required first of all a long period of reconciliation. "Trust and familiarity grow slowly - and the wounds of a long debate will take time to heal. . If we succeed in everything, I can conceive - as with religious orders- of a good working relationship "

Until then, there is still a long way to go according to the Cardinal.

Cardinal Meisner's response in full:

Dear Mr. Weber

Although there is speculation a lot of speculation in the media, obviously the talks between the Holy See and the SSPX are not complete.. Therefore, I ask for understanding that I - following my experience in life - do not want to take the second step before the first, ie only think about the possibility of cooperation with the SSPX, when a reconciliation actually happens, ie that those in charge testify to the faith in accordance with the teaching of the Church and the Successor of Peter . But even if this should succeed, before working together again, a building of confidence is required. We have in the past in Germany more than twenty years experience after reunification of how long it will take for people to come back together after a long separation. Trust and intimacy grow slowly - and the wounds of a long debate will take time to heal. If we succeed in everything, I can conceive of a good working relationship - as with religious. But however the talks go with the SSPX: There is still a long way to go. Let us pray for all who strive for the unity of the Church - especially for the unity with other Christian communities and churches.

Despite reports, Cardinal will not or cannot ban leading dissident from his diocese

Erzbistum: Kardinal verbietet Auftritt Gaillots in Köln nicht | Nachrichten - domradio.de
Archdiocese: Cardinal does not prohibit the appearance of Gaillot in Cologne

The Archdiocese of Cologne denied a newspaper report that Cardinal Joachim Meisner would ban an appearance in Cologne by the French bishop Jacques Gaillot compulsory retirement would ban in Cologne. The report in the "Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger" (Tuesday) was denied by Archdiocese spokesman Christopher Heckeley on Monday . He confirmed, however, a letter from the Vicar General of Cologne, Stefan Heße to Gaillot saying that Meisner was "surprised" that he had not been informed in advance of Gaillot's appearance. Gaillot, who has criticized the church's stance on celibacy, artificial contraception and homosexuality was in 1995 relieved by Pope John Paul II of the leadership of the diocese of Evreux. In 2004, he was prevented from attending by Meisner an event in the town of St. Kilian in Erftstadt. On Thursday, the Cologne Karl Rahner Academy has invited Gaillot for an interview with journalist Ulrich Harbecke from Erftstadt on "the Gospel and the Modern". According to Heckeley, Heße recalled in his letter the correspondence between Meisner and Gaillot in 2004. Gaillot had expressed his respect for ecclesiastical regulations, that he might not appear in a strange diocese without the consent of the local bishop. Meisner was now even more amazed that he had learned by chance about the planned appearance of Gaillot on Thursday. Next Heckeley emphasized that there could not be any ban from the Archbishop, since Gaillot was not attending an institution of the Archdiocese. According to the "Stadt-Anzeiger", the 76-year-old Gaillot will still be coming to the discussion evening in Cologne. As a "retired bishop," he ought to be able to move freely anywhere in the world. In recent years he has worked as an author, pastor for marginalized groups and for a "virtual diocese" www.partenia.org which he founded. The "Karl Rahner Academy," was headed until 2009 by a Jesuit. In 2006, the Archdiocese of Cologne removed their financial support because of cost-cutting measures. Since then, the academy claims to be financially supported only by participants and volunteers, friends and sponsors.

Iran issues death-fatwa against German rapper

Großajatollah: Iranische Todes-Fatwa gegen Rapper aus Köln | tagesschau.de

His anti-Islamic texts make the Cologne rapper Najafi the target of radical Muslims. Celebrated during his youth in Tehran as "Iran's Eminem" , the Grand Ayatollah Safi Golpajegani wants him silenced. He has called on his followers to "send to Najafi to hell".  

Screenshot of the website by Shahin Najafi

Najafi is a 31 year old rapper who lives in Cologne. Seven years ago, he left his native Iran. Shahin Najafi is a political rapper, a provocateur. His latest song is about nose surgery, silicone breasts and bondage, and - as he says- also faith. With verve Najafi in the song "Imam Naghi"makes fun of the tenth of the twelve Imams, who are revered by Shiite Muslims.

In the opinion of the Grand Ayatollah Ali Safi Golpayegani this went too far. The 92-year-old cleric declared that anyone who insulted the Iman was a blasphemer. The news agency Fars reported that the Grand Ayatollah had interpreted the song about Imam Naghi as blasphemy and therefore declared Najafi worthy of death. This apparent death decree calls on all those Muslims, who feel bound by the spiritual authority of the now 92-year-old grand ayatollah, to kill the rapper.

Islamic preacher- We will conquer Rome

KATH.NET - Katholischer Nachrichtendienst

A 26-year-old regularly preaches in a mosque in Solingen - Cologne City Superintendent: His theses are an "impertinence", Representatives of Muslim organizations distance themselves

Anti-Christian expressions of a radical Islamic preacher concern the Protestant Church Association of Cologne City. The 26-year-old Austrian Mohamed Mahmoud was released in September 2011 after a four-year prison sentence in a Vienna prison on charges of forming and promoting a terrorist organization . After a short stay in Berlin, he moved at the end of 2011 to Solingen, near Düsseldorf. Currently he is living in Erbach in Hessen(Odenwald).

Several television stations reported on his challenge to Christianity: "We will conquer Rome! And then Peter's Square, or whatever it's called, yes, that is [...]to be the site of the conversion and the area to implement Allah's laws in order to implement Allah's punishment, so that enough people will be able to witness the events!" The City superintendent of the Protestant Church Association of Cologne and region, Rolf Domning, called the remarks of the preacher's hate "impudence."

The catchment area of Mahmoud, who preaches regularly at a mosque in Solingen, includes Cologne. This was in cooperation with reform-minded Muslims as Domning also said that representatives of Muslim organizations distanced themselves "very clearly" from the public statements of the Islamist preacher.

The Association is also in dialogue with representatives of an enlightened and reformist Islam, such as the Turkish-Islamic Union for Religious (Cologne). Domning: "Together we make with our ecclesiastical communities locally and at the level of social welfare and educational institutions a good inter-religious neighborhood, which is characterized by mutual respect, recognition and a common commitment to a mutual awareness of cultures and religions, on the basis of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Germany. "This work is also carried out by the Cologne Council of Religions. It was founded in 2006 by some 20 religious communities and is committed to the promotion of interreligious dialogue.

Cologne Cardinal fires gay theologian

Katholische Kirche: Kardinal Meisner entzieht schwulem Theologen die Lehrerlaubnis | Gesellschaft | ZEIT ONLINE:

The Cologne Archbishop Joachim Meisner has withdrawn the license to teach from the gay author David Berger . The 77-year-old cardinal said on Thursday that Berger's criticism of the church had destroyed his confidence in Berger.

Berger made sharp criticisms of the Church in his book Der heilige Schein (Cathcon- double meaning- The Halo or The Holy Sham). The 43-year-old told of a "Catholic Jihad" and of the increasing influence of the ultra-conservatives on the whole church .

"It is the overall impression," said Meisner’s spokesman, Christoph Heckeley.

"With any other employer, the situation would lead to consequences. It would be as if a bank employee said publicly. "I am not good at sums, and with bank statements, I am also not quite accurate".

Berger says his sacking goes back to the pressure from extremely conservative forces who have organized petitions and even demanded the death penalty for homosexuals. "That shocked me the most." He cited several sites among them Kreuz.net and Kath.net . Kreuz.net commented on the withdrawal of permission to teach by saying: "Now the gay has got what he wanted," and described Berger as "disturbed".

Berger denied that he had attacked the Catholic Church as such. "My book is not different from Catholic teaching, I wrote it out of love of the Church." He criticizes only specific abuses within the church, and this is the task of every member of the Catholic laity. Berger will now teach his second subject of German at the Ville-Gymnasium in Erfstadt near Cologne.

The Parliamentary secretary for the Green Party, Volker Beck, criticized the decision, "Meisner takes away the responsibilities of an accomplished theologian , just because he does not live asexually. If the Catholic Church had only have been half as consistent in the cases of sexual abuse. " With the right-wing Society of St Pius X the cardinal has no problems - he makes further concessions to them in the archdiocese. The reform movement "We Are Church" protested against the dismissal.

Meisner is one of the most conservative of German bishops and in the Archdiocese of Cologne, he is known to act harshly with critics. A source told dpa that homosexuality in this case is the real reason for the withdrawal of the permission to teach, while on tactical grounds Meisner likes to choose another ground so as not to encounter much opposition within the church. To openly live out homosexuality is for the Cardinal unacceptable.

Berger inititally made a career in the Catholic Church and enjoyed a good reputation especially in conservative circles . In 2003, he joined the Pontifical Academy of St Thomas and and edited the journal Theologisches, mostly read by traditionalists. However, because of the "demonization" of homosexuals, he resigned and in 2010 published the book  Der heilige Schein, which attracted huge media attention.

Cathcon comment-  met Dr Berger once- at weekend organised by the Society of St Pius X  on the differences between modern and scholastic philosophy.   His work on Thomistic philosophy is of a very high quality, as witnessed by this 2004 book on St Thomas and the Liturgy.

Interview in Spiegel (English) from last year

TV debate (German) between Dr Berger and the formidable Gabrielle Kuby Lively!

Cardinal Meisner hits out at Carnival

Rosenmontagszug: Kardinal Meisner schimpft über Karnevalswagen RP ONLINE

At the Düsseldorf Carnival Procession which takes place every year on the Monday before Ash Wednesday, the Pope is shown shaking the devil's hand. The devil was in this case Bishop Williamson, a Holocaust denier and an illegally consecrated bishop of the traditionalists. Cologne's Cardinal Joachim Meisner believes that the Papal theme in this procession to be hurtful.

The presentation of Pope Benedict XVI shaking the the hand of the devil in the guise of Bishop Williamson," he would not leave unchallenged, writes the archbishop in the next edition of the church newspaper for the Archdiocese of Cologne." Meisner literally: "The presentation is not only wrong, it is also hurtful."  Pictures and earlier report

"Presentation wrong and hurtful"
The cardinal stressed that the specific contribution was just an "Interruption", the carnival being a good opportunity to take aim at politics and society. "But if humor becomes malice, spoof becomes damaging and over emphasis, falsification, then the carnival itself looses." This is what happened in the portrayal of the Pope in Dusseldorf.

At World Youth Day 2005 in Cologne, the Rhine countries opened their hearts wide open to the Pope, writes Meisner further. Cordiality and cheerfulness were also features of the carnival. "This should remain so," says the Cardinal. The vehicle of the Düsseldorf carnival wagon maker Jacques Tilly the smiling Pope shakes the hand of the Holocaust deniers and illegally consecrated traditionalist Bishop Williamson. The SSPX member is depicted as a red devil with the word "antisemitism" .

Carnival hits back coming soon!

Cologne-Catholics

"The people of Cologne love to celebrate, whatever the occasion. Whether a Corpus Christi procession or a Shrove Tuesday march, it will be a colourful event in the open air. The people of Cologne are not Roman Catholic, but Cologne Catholic. God has become a real resident of Cologne, where he has set up business in the Cathedral."

Quote from German TV programme on the Cologne Carnival.

St Anno's in Cologne

to become a centre for the elderly

Cardinal says no more clowning at Mass

Cathcon translation of Gottesdienste möglichst nicht in Platt: Kardinal ermahnt die Jecken Services no longer possible in Low German. Cardinal warns the fools!
BY HANS ONKELBACH

The Archdiocese regards it as necessary to abide by the rulebook. Although cheerfulness is part of Faith, the Mass should not become a Carnival. And Low German can only be used for some parts of Masses.

When Joachim Decker, pastor of the united parish of Eller Lierenfeld, on the Sunday (January 19) after next celebrates the Mass, then he will use Low German . Together with the Carnival Association, Hötter Jonges and the amateur group Veedelszoch Eller , this humour loving man has organized worship for many years and operates as far as he is able within the tight rules that are the framework of what the Catholic church allows.

And he is very closely monitored in Cologne, in the near vicinity of Cardinal Joachim Meisner. At any rate, the Archdiocese have given guidelines to the pastors. The title of the many-paged document is "Liturgy and life. Guidelines for Masses in dialect and Masses following local customs." It is based on rules that have been established for many years and, as such, in the summer of 1979, while Cardinal Höffner was still in office, published in the Official Journal. It says that cheerfulness is intrinsic to faith, but folk customs are not welcome in the church, although Low German can be used for preaching, but liturgical texts, certain prayers and the words of consecration are not permitted in dialect. Diocesan spokesman Stephen Schmidt said that in one of the recent meetings of an advisory panel of the Cardinal the subject arose and there was seen a need to again remind the priests of the rules. This started some unrest in Duesseldorf, because not only during Carnival, but over the whole year Masses or church services take place using Low German.

Pastor Decker from Eller knows these rules and accepts them, but does not find a cheerful Helau in the church to be inappropriate. Particularly since, according to Decker, the word Helau has the same origin as the Alleluia. For him, as he says, even "good Catholic songs," can be sung in Low German.

Pastor Paul Ludwig Spies (St. Anthony and St. Peter, Bilk) has a close bond to the Carnival: He takes part himself and makes jokes in the spirit of Carnival . Clever as he is, he avoids any conflict with Cologne and calls his devotion next Sunday (16Uhr, St. Anthony, Fuerstenplatz) a "liturgy of the word."

(Cathcon comment- he already lost his job once

but seems to have been reinstated.)

Low German will be used during the service and for the sermon. The Prince’s Carnival Guards come in their uniforms, and the Children Prince and Princess in their finery. If the colorful costumes were to be called fancy dress, it would incidentally contradict the Cardinal’s ruling - and would therefore be prohibited.

One of the speakers on Sunday, is the Head of the Carnival, the Chief of Fools, Engelbert Oxenfort.

He has long experience of Masses in Low German: for 29 years he has organized them together with Rolf Steinhaeuser.
City Dean at St. Lambertus in the Old City. Twice a year: in Lent a rather contemplative Mass, and in the summer in the context of other cultural events

Cardinal Meisner in discussion with Carnival Cardinal Lehmann.

German church leaders angered

at Bollywood intrusion

"Organ music and candlelight took a back seat to Indian pop songs and flashing disco lights as Bollywood stars took over a Catholic Church in the German city of Cologne on Tuesday.An 85-strong crew of actors, technicians and dancers descended on the 100-year-old church of St. Agnes which is providing the backdrop for an Indian film about love and music. "

Same Church, for the World Youth Day.

The Cardinal, the ex-wife and the tabloids

Cologne Cardinal causes political firestorm in Bavaria which spreads throughout Germany. Cardinal divided against Cardinal, and Bishop against the second Cardinal.

Seehofer and media morality Original article
There has been relative calm over the last few weeks, but then suddenly the tabloids begin again on the private life of the German Minister for Consumer Protection, Horst Seehofer.

It started off with Joachim Meisner , the arch-conservative Cardinal of Cologne.


who voiced his distaste about Minister Horst Seehofer, as the latter seeks election as the head of the Bavarian, Christian Social Union (CSU) despite his extra-marital affair. “How can he become the chairman of a Christian political party? How far have we declined these days?” These were the questions that the Cardinal asked and talked immediately about a suspicion of schizophrenia and suggested a visit to the doctor as well.

Cardinal Meisner, himself without any suspicion of scandal did not seem to worry that his statements were made in The Express- (whole article here) which is a tabloid – on their homepage were quite daring and sexy girls and in which they talk about the “Tokyo hotel experience”, how fabulous sex with fans is.

This had its effect. Other tabloids have also printed his comments and Bild chose the title in bold print, “Cardinal attacks Seehofer.”

Stirring things up and finding Simonis

This German with its largest circulation printed Seehofers name immediately again on their first page, as after all Seehofer’s first wife, who had so far been unknown, suddenly surfaced. Seehofer had so far kept silent on his marriage, even in the best known press archive, there was no mention of it.

And now in the midst of the battle for Stoiber’s succession for the CSU chairmanship and 25 years after the divorce, Christl Sch. found it appropriate to publicly cause friction – with an interview in Bunte, a magazine that, as its name says, has colourful articles. This statement was jumped upon by the tabloids with glee. The Munich tz entitled the article, “Seehofer’s path becomes narrower, wife tells all”

But this is not enough. Bunte searched around and found somebody who is disgusted about the delving into Seehofer’s private life, Heidi Simonis. She is the former Minister President of Schleswig Holstein and complained that personal humiliations and indiscretions from the private domain are being misused as political attacks. (a recent victim in her own right of vicious political infighting).

“Shooting politicians” seems to have become a new sport, she says.

And this is how the statements built and built and there was more and more media interest. The topic is no longer ignored. All use the tabloid as a source and this is how they function.

Even Cardinal Meisner colleague in office, Friedrich Cardinal Wetter

was telephoned but the experienced Archbishop of Munich and Freising did not want to make a comment. His press officer, Winfried Roehmel said on this topic the rather bland sentence, “this dispute does not belong in the public domain”

As far as the Stoiber succession in the CSU, he says “the party will decide internally who will become its chairman and not the Church and this is, of course, correct.”

The Passau Bishop Wilhelm Schraml


supports Meisners position
“Every person who has a public office, and especially those who carry political responsibility should act as an example”

He is Vice-President of the German Catholic Bishops Conference Commission on Marriage and the Family.

The whole episode reminds of the debate within the American Bishops of whether to give Communion to pro-abortion politicians. It is time for a consistent line in both cases.

Mass for Unbelievers

Disco production company organises a techno-ambient event over three days in January in the Basilica of the Holy Apostles in Cologne. The organiser described the event, as a Mass for Unbelievers. The ambient music which accompanied the light display was a mixture of rock and roll, electronic music and "New Age" music. The name of the event "civilization of love" and was fully supported by the parish priest!

But there is no civilisation without God and his Church.

Star trek. If you let yourself be sucked into this vortex you will surely loose your faith.
Spooky!
St Peter crying for the Church.

Apostles gazing at the imposters


Cushions were provided to make the unbelievers feel confortable.

The Church being stripped of divine meaning

A cult of feeling replacing Catholic Faith.

Tip from the ever-super-excellent kreuz.net

The Cologne Carmel

Has survived everything but sadly not the buildings they occupied.