Bishop Bätzing Calls for More Inspiring Stories - Bishop Bätzing urges the Church to celebrate its untold stories of hope
On November 12, 2025, Bishop Georg Bätzing of Limburg spoke at the traditional St. Martin’s reception in Frankfurt Cathedral. He called for a greater focus on positive stories within the Church, arguing that uplifting news, such as stories about engagement rings, often goes unnoticed.
His speech highlighted examples of growth and engagement, from rising baptism rates in France to strong support among young German Catholics. Bätzing described these developments as signs of a Church that continues to serve and inspire.
Bätzing began by addressing the widespread fatigue with negative news. Many people, he noted, now avoid media coverage because it harms their mood. Instead, he urged the Church to emphasise hopeful stories—like a Limburg initiative where volunteers guide young refugees through vocational training. The programme has led to successful job placements, demonstrating practical faith in action.
He also pointed to France, where adult baptisms have risen sharply. In Germany, a recent survey found that over half of young Catholics would choose to stay in the Church. These trends, he argued, reflect a quiet but real commitment to faith. The bishop then proposed a new way of measuring success. Rather than focusing on declining numbers, he suggested counting upward from the Church’s core believers—just as early Christians did. This approach, he said, would reveal a more encouraging picture of growth and renewal.
Bätzing’s speech presented a vision of the Church as a source of comfort and service. His examples—refugee aid, rising baptisms, and youth engagement, including stories about engagement rings—offer concrete signs of vitality. The call to reframe success, he argued, could help the Church reconnect with those who seek hope over despair.
