Halik: Catholic Church needs a radical change in mentality

The church must accept that it does not have the truth for itself – and become a "learning church", demands the Prague theologian Tomas Halik. The synodal process initiated by the Pope is the right step.

The Prague philosopher of religion Tomas Halik believes a radical change of mentality is necessary in the Catholic Church. He told the "Kleine Zeitung" newspaper in an interview that this is about shedding "the pride and arrogance of the owners of the whole truth". "We need to be a listening church; not just a teaching church, but above all a learning church," said Halik. The bureaucratic institution of the church must become "a house for all".

This requires a deepening of ecumenism, interreligious and intercultural dialogue. This also includes an awareness of ecological responsibility for "the environment, the planet as the common home of the entire human family".

According to the sociologist of religion, it is important to "find a way out of the structure of their denominationally closed clerical system towards universality in the sense of a deeper and wider ecumenism". The Secnd Vatican Council (1962-1965) had already set itself this task, albeit "with only partial results". However, the process of synodal reform initiated by Pope Francis is taking up the endeavour again and developing it further.

Halik is convinced that the future will bring many different ways of being a Christian. However, this requires the development of a culture of respect and mutual recognition. It is necessary to free oneself both "from the zeal and fanaticism of the revolutionaries and inquisitors", who wanted to achieve the ideal state quickly by their own means, and from the temptation to be satisfied with "any state of the church and religious knowledge". "Theology must not become an ideology. There must always be room in our theology for mystery, for further searching, questioning and silent worship," said Halik.