Bishop election Consultation on the election of the Bishop of St. Gallen is complete

In the diocese of St. Gallen, a further step in the election process for a new bishop has been completed. The church base was able to express its expectations of the successor. 1305 people took part. They named "courage, openness and closeness to the people" as important prerequisites for the office.

A fixed procedure has been in place for the election of the St. Gallen bishop since August 9: At the time, 75-year-old Bishop Büchel offered his resignation to the Pope. Just one week later, the request was accepted by Rome and the search for a successor began.

The cathedral chapter, a 13-member electoral body, has three months to prepare for the election and nominate six possible candidates for the office of bishop on a list.

First, however, the church base was consulted. 1305 people discussed their expectations of a new bishop in 173 discussion groups, the diocese announced on Thursday.

Proximity to the people as a criterion

Across all feedback, there were three central concepts: closeness to the people, openness and courage. For example, openness towards ecumenism is required, but also towards other religions or the needs of the people.

The cathedral chapter will now discuss the results of this consultation. The list of candidates will then be sent to Rome. The proposals will be examined there. The Pope selects the names that would receive an appointment as bishop and sends the list of candidates back to the cathedral chapter.

The church parliament then has the option of designating three out of six candidates as "less approved". Finally, the cathedral chapter will appoint Bishop Büchel's successor.

SDA