REASONS SENIOR GERMAN PRIEST QUITS THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

Fr. Andrea Sturm, form Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Speyer / CNA

Rev. Fr. Andreas Sturm, former Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Speyer, quits the Catholic Church

Fr. Andreas Sturm, the former Vicar General of the Diocese of Speyer in Southwestern Germany, announced on May 13, 2022, that he is no longer a Catholic, citing his disappointment over a lack of “reforms” in the Church and admitting to having broken his promise of celibacy. Let's look closely at what prompted his decision.

1. WHAT ARE HIS REASONS FOR LEAVING THE CATHOLIC CHURCH?

Fr Sturm said that he had “lost hope and confidence over the years that the Roman Catholic Church can truly transform itself”. The following issues are the reasons why he quits because the Church have not addressed them properly;

1. The ordination of women to the priesthood.

2. The abolition of compulsory celibacy.

3. The  dealing with queer people and  blessing ceremonies for homosexuals 

4.  Sexual morality in the Church.

5. Broken the vow of celibacy.

 He  identified with Participants in the German “Synodal Way” that  have voted in favor of draft texts calling for same-sex blessings and changes to the Catechism on homosexuality, as well as women priests.

2. WHAT IS THE WAY FORWARD FOR FR. STURM?

Fr. Sturm has decided to join Germany’s Old Catholic community.

Old Catholics belong to a movement originating primarily in the Netherlands, Germany, and Switzerland, consisting of Catholics who were excommunicated over their refusal to acknowledge papal authority in dogmatic matters following the First Vatican Council.

In Old Catholic communities, women can be ordained, remarriage after divorce is possible, and homosexual unions are blessed.

3. AS CATHOLICS, WHAT ARE WE EXPECTED TO DO?

It is our duty as genuine Catholics to always remember to pray for our Priests to remain strong in their vocation. The Catholic priesthood Comes with many challenges.  Let us now say a short prayer  for our priests;

Gracious and loving God, we thank your for the gift of our priests. Through them, we experience your presence in the sacraments. Help our priests to be strong in their vocation. Set their souls on fire with love for your people.

In their loneliness, comfort them.  In their sorrows, strengthen them.  In their frustrations, point out to them that it is through suffering that the soul is purified, and show them that they are needed by the Church; they are needed by souls; they are needed for the work of redemption.

Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

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