Despite scandals: Why Karben Catholics remain loyal to the Church

Despite scandals: Why Karben Catholics remain loyal to the Church

In the tranquil Kloppenheim, the challenges with which the Roman Catholic Church is confronted is currently being discussed intensively. Even if the abuse scandals and the associated church exits are repeatedly in the media, numerous voices show that many parishioners are still rooted in their faith community. This reports fnp.de

As many know, church exits in Germany are a serious topic. At the end of 2024, 37.8 million members were part of the Protestant and Catholic churches, of which 19.8 million alone belong to the Catholic Church. But despite these decreasing numbers, there are a variety of believers in Karben who hold on to their church. Among them are Horst Schmutzer, Gerda Weissflog, Malgorzata "Gosia" Tretowicz, Alfred Lauschke and Dr. Frank Eschmann, who all share different perspectives and experiences with faith.

loyalty despite doubts

Gerda Weissflog, who always felt like it was going to miss something crucial during her three -year exit of the church, and entered the Catholic Church again. Daily prayer and the regular visit to services give her hold. She also organizes rosary prayers and celebrates the patron saint in Okarben with others. The experienced Alfred Lauschke emphasizes the central importance of the Eucharist. He also initiated a prevention concept against abuse in his community to create a safe environment for everyone.

dr. Frank Eschmann, who converted to Catholic faith as an evangelical, is active in the preparation for the company. He sees the Males of God as the heart of life, even if he does not deny the dark chapters of church history. In his opinion, these challenges are an occasion to reflect on and consolidate one's own belief. Malgorzata »Gosia« tretowicz, who works as a sexton and organizer of services and actively participates in pilgrimages and Bible Settings, is also committed.

abuse and processing

Despite the personal connection, all respondents are concerned about the abuse scandals that the Roman Catholic Church shook worldwide. The topic has become increasingly public attention since the 1980s, and the insufficient handling of complaints against abuse is repeatedly criticized. In Germany alone, 45 cases of abuse are documented in the diocese of Mainz, two of them in Kloppenheim. The number of unreported cases is high, especially since many do not raise the courage to make their experiences public, so wikipedia .

The processing of these incidents is extremely complex. It is often criticized that the church itself does not adequately handle the victims and does not recognize them as the injured party. Instead of compensating payments, there are always only "recognition payments" that often do not guarantee legal claims. This stirs up the displeasure and doubts among the believers.

Horst Schmutzer, who is also active in the community, expresses the attitude of many: Despite all doubts and criticism of the church, faithfulness remains to be faith. Many parishioners emphasize that their commitment grows not only out of a sense of duty, but also from a deep spirituality and hope for a positive change within the church.

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OrtKloppenheim, Deutschland
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