Catholic reformers at the end of the 6th Synodal Assembly:
Press release Stuttgart, 31 January 2026
The Federation of German Catholic Youth (BDKJ), Parish Initiative, Catholic German Women's Association (KDFB), Maria 2.0, #OutInChurch, pro concilio and We Are Church draw a sobering conclusion at the end of the sixth and final Synodal Assembly in Stuttgart. Even before the assembly, eight Catholic reformers had clearly formulated their specific expectations and were present in Stuttgart.
Following the shocking findings of the MHG study, the German bishops, in joint responsibility with the Central Committee of German Catholics, launched a Synodal Path in 2019, which, despite all the difficulties, has attracted worldwide attention. Based on the risk factors of sexualised and spiritual violence and cover-ups according to the MHG study, the systemic causes of power structures, the image of priests, discrimination against women and sexual teaching have been intensively addressed, all of which are also obstacles to credible evangelisation. This is a great and lasting achievement.
Progress despite obstacles
At the same time, it should be noted that the Synodal Path has not fulfilled many expectations and hopes, nor could it do so. The current canon law regulations are too restrictive, making it impossible for the laity to participate effectively in important decisions. Added to this is the irresponsible withdrawal of individual bishops from the entire process. A major problem with all the results of the German Synodal Path to date is that, according to current canon law, the bishops still have ultimate responsibility, especially in the area of finances.
The Synodal Path has adopted good basic and action texts in the synodal assemblies and synodal forums, but these must now be implemented promptly and consistently. We are pleased that these texts, especially those on gender justice issues, are encouraging Christians around the world to actively pursue reforms in their own communities. However, it has also become clear that the hard-won decisions of the Synodal Path have so far received too little recognition in the Vatican. Therefore, further productive dialogue is urgently needed.
The presentation of the monitoring of the decisions has shown that more transparency is needed where implementation is still pending. Here, we call on the diocesan bishops to publish the findings from their dioceses. This has not been the case in the monitoring so far. Only in this way can the faithful demand consistent implementation at the local level. It remains a challenge to create safe places for all people, but especially for women, children, young people and queer people.
Continuing to live out synodality
And yet we look with gratitude to those who have supported and lived out the spirit of synodality and reform over the past six years. These were primarily the laity, but also some of the bishops. Here, we expect all participants to actively participate in the synodal deliberations in the future. The official final declaration adopted today summarises with necessary openness what the Synodal Path in Germany has initiated and achieved, but also what still needs to be worked on intensively so that our Church can once again become more credible and relevant to people.
New DBK chair election
Following the very regrettable resignation of Bishop Dr Georg Bätzing, we expect the German bishops to elect a new chair in a month's time who will be equally competent and consistent in implementing the reforms that the Synodal Path has developed so far. According to the 2023 Church Membership Survey, 96 per cent of German Catholics consider reforms to be urgently necessary.
We are glad that the Synodal Path is continuing in the Synodal Conference, whose statutes still have to be approved by the DBK and Rome. There must be no further problems or delays in this process. There is no turning back from the steps already taken towards greater synodality. This applies to all dioceses. The Church only has a future if it seriously involves everyone, supports diversity and sees it as an asset. We call on all Catholics to support the implementation of these reforms and to demand them in their parishes and dioceses.
BDKJ zieht gemischtes Fazit zum Synodalen Weg
> BDKJ-Pressemitteilung 31.1.2026
kfd blickt nach der 6. Synodalversammlung nach vorne Ernüchternde Bilanz mit Hoffnungsschimmer
> kfd.-Pressemitteilung 30.1.2026
Am Ende des Synodalen Wegs: Bilanz mit Fragezeichen - Aufbruch, Widerstand und offene Fragen
> katholisch.de 31.1.2026