Emeritus in Seewald-book: he had great doubts about whether the Church-tax system as it is now, is correct - "The automatic excommunication of those who do not pay it, in my opinion, is untenable."
Rome (kath.net) Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. has discussed in his interview book "Last Testament" about "the church-tax in Germany" in a Peter Seewald interview tape. He had great doubts about whether the church tax system in its current form is correct. Benedict XVI says: "But the automatic excommunication of those who do not pay it is, in my opinion, untenable." The book was published on Friday.
The Catholic Church in Germany is seen by Benedict XVI. generally in a critical light. "In Germany we have this established and highly paid Catholicism, often with employed Catholics who then confront the Church with a labor union mentality." The Church is just an employer for these officers, of which they are critical. For the Church in Germany is at a great risk that "a surplus of nonspiritual bureaucracy" arises through the many paid employees. "I am saddened at this situation, the excess of money, that is yet again too little, and the bitterness that comes of this, that malice, which is manifest in German intellectual circles." The readable introduction by Peter Seewald of his interview tape Pope Benedict XVI. is now available on kath.net in full length!
Trans: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com
AMDG
I've lost a lot of respect for Pope Benedict because of the post-resignation interviews, interventions, and books. It only adds to the confusing crisis the church is in. It is an embarrassment for those of us who have always loved and supported Benedict and found great wisdom and erudition in his teaching. I would have preferred if he had remained a silent contemplative like he had originally stated he would.
ReplyDeleteSeems like one day he's telling them what they want to hear, and the next day he's continuing his work before his resignation. I'm not sure what to think of it all.
DeleteI think iwe must move our Holy Father, Benedict to a safe-haven.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, he's prisoner in Vatican and that surely is not a safe place for him.......let's pray!
Delete"For the Church in Germany is at a great risk that "a surplus of nonspiritual bureaucracy" arises through the many paid employees."
ReplyDeleteIn fact, this is what most of the German Church now seems to amount to: ""a surplus of nonspiritual bureaucracy." One of the most sensible post-retirement public statements he has made.