"Such an approach would be a basic prerequisite for a trusting and successful further progression of the urgently needed renewal of the Church in our country."
The "Synodal Way" is a process bringing together German lay people and bishops to discuss four major topics: the way power is exercised in the Church; sexual morality; the priesthood; and the role of women.
The first synodal assembly took place in Frankfurt in January 2020. The second gathering was canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic, but regional meetings were held in September 2020.
In the open letter, published in full by CNA Deutsch, CNA's German-language news partner, Voderholzer offered detailed criticisms of a two-day online meeting of the Synodal Way, which began on Feb. 4.
The 61-year-old bishop said that on Nov. 19, 2020, participants in the Synodal Way received a letter from the executive committee announcing the online event as a replacement for the second synodal assembly. He argued that the decision ignored the wishes of "a clear majority" of voting members.
He also asked whether diocesan contact people for the Synodal Way had been allowed to register for the online meeting in order to boost numbers. He noted that they were not allowed to participate directly in the first general assembly or the regional conferences.