Interpreting the “Signs of the Times” as a Challenge to theChurch’s Mission from a German Perspective

<ns3:p>The “Synodal Path” (Synodaler Weg) in Germany was understood from the outset asan appropriate response by the Catholic Church to the “signs of the times”. Triggeredby the abuse crisis, institutional frameworks for individual misconduct were identifiedand proposals for reform were put forward, which aimed at preventing future abuse andserving the credibility of the Gospel. The article delineates the historical backgroundof the “Synodal Path” in Germany and outlines the interpretation of the “signs of thetimes” by the delegates of the General Assembly. It situates the positions of the “Syn-odal Path” within the general debates on similar issues that are taking place withinthe Catholic Church on a global scale. The concluding remarks offer some theologicalchallenges for further reflection on the “signs of the times”</ns3:p>