Regensburg's bishop plays a prominent role in a conservative effort to tarnish his public standing
In a series of recent events, bishops Rudolf Voderholzer and Stefan Oster from Regensburg and Passau respectively, have made their stance clear on the nomination of jurist Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf.
On July 9th, Oster and Voderholzer published a statement, expressing their concern that anyone who relativizes the right to life of unborn children should not be entrusted with the interpretation of Germany's Basic Law. They believe Brosius-Gersdorf's suggestion that human dignity applies only from birth is a violation of human dignity protections, and as such, she should be disqualified from serving on the Federal Constitutional Court.
Their position aligns with their long-standing vocal pro-life advocacy and criticism of Germany's Synodal Way. Despite criticism from various quarters, they have shown no signs of retracting or clarifying their stance.
In contrast, Bishop Herwig Gössl, Archbishop of Bamberg, initially spoke out against Brosius-Gersdorf's nomination, expressing strong moral concern over her stance on unborn life. However, he later took a different approach, implying some level of reconsideration or clarification in his stance.
The editorial team sent a request to Oster and Voderholzer on July 17th regarding their stance on Brosius-Gersdorf's nomination. Neither of the bishops has considered an apology or clarification necessary, choosing instead to stand firm by their public denouncement.
Meanwhile, the dioceses of Passau and Regensburg have not responded to requests for comment from the editorial team. The diocese of Regensburg did not respond, and the diocese of Passau reiterated their stance from July 9th.
The diocese also did not respond to the objection of Georg Bätzing, the chairman of the German Bishops' Conference. The controversy has also been used by the right-wing extremist gutter medium Nius to celebrate Bishop Voderholzer, with Julian Reichelt denigrating Brosius-Gersdorf with terms like "population control", "infanticide", and the "import of other cultures".
Despite the controversy, Brosius-Gersdorf has clarified that she has always advocated for the protection of unborn life. Her conversation with Bishop Gössl demonstrated mutual respect, despite their differing positions.
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- The policy-and-legislation debate surrounding Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf's nomination to the Federal Constitutional Court has become a hot topic in politics and general-news, with bishops Oster and Voderholzer voicing their strong opposition, insisting that anyone who relativizes the right to life of unborn children should not be entrusted with the interpretation of Germany's Basic Law.
- Amidst accusations and criticisms from various quarters, the policy-and-legislation stance of Oster and Voderholzer on Brosius-Gersdorf remains unchanged, aligning with their long-standing vocal pro-life advocacy and criticism of Germany's Synodal Way.
