The Eucharist of the Roman Catholic Church in Germany in the age of the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Summary This article draws on the experiences of the Federal Republic of Germany and provides a theological reflection on the consequences of political decisions made in response to the spread of COVID-19. The research primarily concerns the relationship between the importance of the communal celebration of the Eucharist and the limitation on contact imposed on the grounds of protecting human life and health. Due to the novelty of the subject, the sources are generally accessible internet materials. The starting point is a calendar of specific decisions by the state authorities and the reactions of the German Bishops’ Conference to these secular regulations, followed by the comment made by German Roman Catholic theologians on the situation. Of these, more attention has been paid to the controversial responses – made by the Bishop of Magdeburg Gerard Feige, Archbishop of Cologne Cardinal and Doctor of Theology Rainer Woelki, and dogmatist Julia Knop – rather than those that are theologically insightful or correct. All this has been juxtaposed with the Church’s official teaching on the communal celebration of the Eucharist and its basic assumption, i.e., the predominance of the divine element over the human element. This article shows that state measures, ecclesial behaviour, and theological discussions can all be interpreted as a practical negation of the saving nature of the Eucharist. This presentation concludes with the question of what is more important: celebrating the Eucharist, receiving Holy Communion, experiencing community, or further weeks of strictly limited social contact, including in religious gatherings. This question is also an invitation to undertake further, in-depth reflection not only on the economic, social, and emotional effects of the pandemic but also – and perhaps primarily – on the spiritual ones.