German Cardinal praised for his openness to other churches

Cardinal Karl Lehmann, who has announced his retirement as chairperson of the German (Roman Catholic) Bishops' Conference, has been praised for promoting understanding between churches , reports Ecumenical News International. Lehmann in a 15 January announcement said he would step down on 18 February because of ill health and to make way for a new generation to take up leadership positions. The cardinal, who is also bishop of Mainz, has headed the bishops' conference for 21 years. Germany's top Protestant bishop, Wolfgang Huber, who heads the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD), praised Lehmann for his ecumenical spirit, while also being rooted to his Catholic faith.

[01/21/2008]

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