Friday, June 03, 2005
To His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI (Kimberley E. Koehler Freitag)
Kimberley E. Koehler Freitag
618 Yellowstone Drive
Elgin, IL 60123, U.S.A.
(847) 741-4162, rfreitag7@earthlink.net
May 2, 2005
His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI
Vatican City, Rome, Italy
Dear Holy Father,
I am writing to ask you to consider interceding with Cardinal Georg Sterzinsky, leader of the Berlin, Germany Archdiocese, regarding his decision to close and de-consecrate All Saints Catholic Community church in Berlin. I know that you are a busy man and may be loath to interfere in a decision of Cardinal Sterzinsky; however, I ask that you read the enclosed copy of my letter to Cardinal Sterzinsky and reflect in your heart on the ideas and sentiments expressed. If you deem them worthy of note, then you may wish to discuss this matter with Cardinal Sterzinsky.
I do not know what reasons the Cardinal has for his decision. I do know that mass attendance in Germany (and in all of Europe for that matter) is abysmal and that the only reason that Germany ranks second in contributions to the Church is because of Kirchensteuer, not because the church is vibrant and people are giving at Mass. Thus, it seems very strange that a church community which is thriving and serves a unique international population of Catholics would be slated for closure.
I also know that All Saints community was a home for me when I lived in Berlin and a critical factor in my current commitment to the Church. I believe that this church is serving as a lifeline for others in Berlin as well. Thank you, Holy Father, for your time and consideration of this matter. May the Holy Spirit guide you in your work as our shepherd.
Sincerely,
Kim Freitag
http://www.all-saints-berlin.de/
618 Yellowstone Drive
Elgin, IL 60123, U.S.A.
(847) 741-4162, rfreitag7@earthlink.net
May 2, 2005
His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI
Vatican City, Rome, Italy
Dear Holy Father,
I am writing to ask you to consider interceding with Cardinal Georg Sterzinsky, leader of the Berlin, Germany Archdiocese, regarding his decision to close and de-consecrate All Saints Catholic Community church in Berlin. I know that you are a busy man and may be loath to interfere in a decision of Cardinal Sterzinsky; however, I ask that you read the enclosed copy of my letter to Cardinal Sterzinsky and reflect in your heart on the ideas and sentiments expressed. If you deem them worthy of note, then you may wish to discuss this matter with Cardinal Sterzinsky.
I do not know what reasons the Cardinal has for his decision. I do know that mass attendance in Germany (and in all of Europe for that matter) is abysmal and that the only reason that Germany ranks second in contributions to the Church is because of Kirchensteuer, not because the church is vibrant and people are giving at Mass. Thus, it seems very strange that a church community which is thriving and serves a unique international population of Catholics would be slated for closure.
I also know that All Saints community was a home for me when I lived in Berlin and a critical factor in my current commitment to the Church. I believe that this church is serving as a lifeline for others in Berlin as well. Thank you, Holy Father, for your time and consideration of this matter. May the Holy Spirit guide you in your work as our shepherd.
Sincerely,
Kim Freitag
http://www.all-saints-berlin.de/
