Several prominent female theologians in Germany have said they have received hate mail and even death threats because they advocate reforms in the Catholic Church.
The theologian Agnes Wuckelt said she felt pressured by opponents of reform – and was determined not to be intimidated by it. “I have received death threats on two occasions,” she told a group of church newspapers on Wednesday. “That is really tough. It takes my breath away.”
She said she also received hate messages and was insulted by critics questioning her reputation as a theologian and her personal faith.
Risk
“I really try hard, I fight and work for our Church – and then everything is dragged through the mud,” the deputy national chairwoman of the German Association of Catholic Women (kfd) said. “The risk exists that one falls silent.”
She added that she refused to be muzzled. “I want to be a disruptive factor in the Church.” The kfd is one of the largest Catholic associations in Germany and has about 400,000 members.
Wuckelt said that in the beginning, she tried to enter into dialogue with her opponents. “At the time I thought people were really interested in my point of view. But I soon realised that there was a strategy behind it.” She added that she was nevertheless encouraged by the many people who gave her positive feedback. “Just giving hope here motivates me.”
Hatred
The president of the Central Committee of German Catholics (ZdK), Irme Stetter-Karp, said she too received hate mail and encountered hostility because of her reform efforts. “Again and again I find that I as a person face this alone. I am at the mercy of this hatred.” Her opponents may not be many in number but they were well connected through networks.
“I ask myself: how can I protect myself publicly? There is a great feeling of powerlessness,” said the head of the highest body representing German lay Catholics.
She said she experienced strength and support through her faith and through personal encounters. “I cannot feel responsible for the Church and lie down on the sofa and wait to see if something happens. I want to continue my task.”
The chairwoman of the Catholic Rural Youth Movement of Germany (KLJB), Daniela Ordowski, said the hatred she encountered affected her behaviour and public statements. “I have also cancelled requests because I knew I would be shredded for days after my commentary.” Some hate mail came across as harmless, but was nevertheless very hurtful, she said.
Originally reported by KNA Germany.
