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The Bishop of Chur Joseph Bonnemain takes a position. He says yes to a second cathedral in Zurich. Yes and no to women in the priesthood.
As the new bishop of Chur, Joseph Maria Bonnemain faces great expectations. He has to reconcile a deeply divided diocese, the more traditional wing of Chur with the more progressive wing of Zurich. The Catholics of Zurich hope to finally obtain a second bishopric.
When asked about this, the 72-year-old said on Radio SRF’s Saturday broadcast: “I’ve been saying this for 25 years: the bishop should be where most of the men and women of the diocese live and live. “He himself has been going back and forth between Zurich and Chur for the diocese for 40 years, although his main residence was previously in Zurich.
Second bishopric in Zurich?
Now he could promote the second bishopric. But he appeased: “The diocese does not necessarily need a second bishopric, but a bishop who sits everywhere!” In his opinion, the most important question is whether Zurich will get a co-cathedral, that is, an official management position that has so far only existed in Chur. He says: “It cannot be ruled out that a church in Zurich may eventually become a co-cathedral.”
Do you want to achieve this in your five-year term as Bishop of Chur? Bonnemain: “I would be happy if that happened before I retire.” But: “That is not the first priority!” It does not want to deal primarily with the institution and also urges the Zurich wing not to deal with itself and this issue of institutional improvement. It is important to put people at the center. But his message to the people of Zurich regarding the co-cathedral is: “I will work for it in time.”
Doubt about personnel decisions
As the new bishop of Chur, Joseph Bonnemain can reassign central positions in the diocese, such as appointing vicars general: “The most important thing I need is a team that shares my vision with me.” Bonnemain stresses that not everyone on his team has to think the same. But the common vision is important: the Church is there for the people, not the other way around.
The question remains how he will deal with his opponents on the ground: with powerful dignitaries who opposed him as bishop. Joseph Bonnemain extended his hand in reconciliation and invited her to be bishop. But several demonstratively stayed away. When asked about this, Bonnemain says: “I think they might need a little more time. But the hand remains extended. “
Women in the priesthood?
During the episcopal ordination, Bonnemain appointed numerous women to important functions and made them visible. “They are more than half of the diocese, and what they contribute is much more important than what the men contribute,” he said.
“Women should be able to participate and have a voice in decisions everywhere,” he says, although in the Catholic Church many positions and functions are still reserved for men. “That’s exactly why we still have to catch up!”
When asked if he could also present himself to the priestesses, he avoids and refers to Rome: As bishop, he wants to support the attitude of the Pope. He wants to take steps in the right direction: “Strong development is needed: we are in the middle of a process.” And also: “I would like to accompany the Pope in this process, but without jumping the limits that he sets.”
