Mr. Riedl, how is life with a muzzle?
Ah, that’s over again. And this “urgent request” had only referred to the media. In the sermon, I took up the topic right away. Otherwise it would have been like the pink elephant in the middle of the room that nobody talks about.
What did you say to your community?
That what happened there is a betrayal of the Christian message. So many have taken on so much guilt – it’s absolutely not possible to go together. Talking out is no use.
How did believers react? How is the mood in the parish?
There is sheer horror. But I got positive reactions to the sermon.
And how are you personally?
It hits you. I was really speechless for two days. Affected and sad. Above all, because among the names of those who were actively involved there are many that I know personally. And from whom I would not have expected something like that. It’s like a kick in the pit of the stomach.
Are you ashamed to be a pastor?
No not that. But nobody has insulted me or attacked me in any way.
What do you think is worse? The systematic abuse or its systematic cover-up?
I don’t think you can weigh that. Both are catastrophic for the victims. First the abuse itself – and then that the perpetrator gets away scot-free and is also covered.
After the report was published, Josef Riedl was “speechless” for a few days. In the meantime, the dean and pastor from Ebersberg has recovered.
(Photo: Peter Hinz-Rosin)
Have you ever spoken personally to someone affected?
No. But a lawyer who used to be in the Ebersberg church administration told me an interesting experience: Some of the victims of the Grafinger perpetrator came to his office after this case became public in 2010. They told him about their suffering. When he finally asked if he should take legal action, they said no. Now be good. This makes it clear that it is all about listening. So making offers to those affected, taking them seriously and not playing down anything. Just the sentence “I believe you” can be extremely positive, maybe even work wonders.
Is abuse inherent in the church system?
Yes, yes. In any case, it has nothing to do with the zeitgeist of ’68 or the devil. In my opinion, the biggest problem is the clanism, this gang mentality. However, in our course – after all we have been in service for 40 years – there is no longer a course cohesion like in previous years. This close connection is initially very positive, but it can also turn into the opposite, as you can see now. Added to this was the fatal, theologically exaggerated conviction that pastors were a very special class, chosen by God.
Do you think that the Archdiocese of Munich-Freising is particularly affected by this problem?
No, it will be the same everywhere else. But there are no reviews yet…
How can you ensure that these old cliques no longer come into play in the future?
You have to think carefully about how to distribute responsibility. And how to control them. In any case, we won’t get any further with this misunderstood solidarity. It must be clear: If there is a suspicion, the public prosecutor’s office is responsible – nobody else.
Do you think Cardinal Reinhard Marx should resign?
No. Because then we would definitely not have a bishop for a year, and that would be wasted time in terms of renewal. Also, I think it’s good and courageous of him to give himself up in a way, saying, “If anyone thinks I’m getting in the way of the process, I’ll leave immediately.” You have to clean up this dunghill now! And I hope our cardinal is brave enough. Because someone has to start now.
What do you think is necessary?
No more tricks and subterfuges! And look inward (sighs). But you won’t be able to turn this store inside out in half a year, that’s for sure. So: many small steps. Above all, you have to finally look at the victims. Be open and honest. make you offers. And don’t delay the compensation. We also need a synodal church of participation, in which everyone participates, thinks along and is heard. Just dismissing something as a position – that doesn’t work. Not with me on the Parish Council and not at a higher level either. It needs open discussions. And the advisory processes absolutely have to be transparent. The days of backrooms are over.
But who knows, maybe it’s already too late? The resignations from the church speak a clear language…
Yes that’s true, unfortunately. In the area of the local registry office, which includes Ebersberg, Aßling and Kirchseeon, the number of resignations this January is three times as high as in January 2021. And I can understand it very well if someone no longer wants to have anything to do with this shop . My only hope is that most resignations are an outlet for anger and protest, not genuine apostasy. That people distinguish between the institution and Jesus’ message.
What would you wish for?
That the church is perceived in its entirety again. Because the church is not only where the bishop is, but also with all the people who are involved. For whom faith is a strong motivation to live a good life. And that some might find their way back once the changes have been initiated. In any case, this door is never closed!