This was preceded by a “notice” to all German diocese bishops, written up by a theologian, a doctor of medicine, two journalists and two attorneys, in which extensive grounds were given as to why, from their viewpoint, the church has forfeited the right to call itself “Christian”: In clearly recognizable contrast to the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, it amasses power and wealth (“while millions of the people are unemployed and pinched by poverty”); despite its immense wealth, it lets itself be “fattened” by the state with billions in subsidies (“including your bishops’ salaries); it justifies wars and violence and instils fear in the people with an alleged “eternal hell.” Enforced celibacy, hostility to women and sexuality, sexual crimes of the priests – the list of ecclesiastical transgressions is long and reaches directly into the present times.

The bishops allowed the allotted time limit to elapse without becoming active – and now find themselves confronted with a lawsuit, as announced. The plaintiffs do not want to remain silent anymore on the “brazen labelling fraud,” with which Christ is mocked and His name abused to such an extent. Moreover, an institution which appropriates people already as infants, violates their personal rights. The 36-page statement of case can be read in Internet.

So now, the first lawsuit lies out on the open table. And it won’t be the last. For their Lutheran bishop colleagues have also received notice …