Dispute over reporting: Archdiocese of Cologne takes action against KSTA!

Dispute over reporting: Archdiocese of Cologne takes action against KSTA!

Things are simmering in Cologne: the dispute between the Archdiocese of Cologne and the “Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger” is coming to a head. The impetus was a report about the opening of the Archbishop's Education Campus in Cologne-Kalk, which not only heated up tempers but also prompted the head of the office, Frank Hüppelshäuser, to take an offensive step. In an open letter, he sharply criticizes chief correspondent Joachim Frank and speaks of inhumane reporting that aims to discredit the archdiocese and Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki. Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger reports that Hüppelshäuser has accused the journalist of painting a distorted picture of the archdiocese for years.

The approximately 80 million euros that the archdiocese invested in the educational campus to help the students in Cologne seem to have been completely lost in the reporting. Instead, the focus is on allegations, such as the claim that employees were asked not to wear rainbow symbols. A teacher at the Kardinal-Frings-Gymnasium was even put under pressure because he was wearing a rainbow-colored sweater. These allegations raise concerns in the archdiocese about fair and objective reporting - Hüppelshäuser doubts whether the articles comply with the principles of journalism.

The reactions

The waves of criticism have not only made waves within the archdiocese. Editor-in-chief Gerald Selch from the “Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger” rejected the allegations as defamatory and emphasized that the free press is an essential tool for disclosing the behavior of the diocese leadership that is worthy of criticism. The analysis of the mood among Cologne residents also does not seem to suit the archdiocese. A survey by Forsa found that 83% of respondents were dissatisfied with Woelki's leadership. These results differ greatly from the archdiocese's statement that its perception among the faithful is entirely positive.

Associated with these developments is the public's lack of understanding of the criticism from the archdiocese. The board of the Central Committee of German Catholics (ZdK) has assured Frank of defense and described the attacks as baseless. The Society of Catholic Journalists (GKP) also supports the journalist and describes the allegations as hurtful. This support shows that the conflict is not only an internal problem, but also a socially relevant issue.

Personal consequences

This dispute has personal consequences for Hüppelshäuser: After more than 20 years, he canceled his subscription to the “Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger”. But he is not alone in his criticism. There is rumbling behind the scenes – or as one would say: “there is something going on”. The accusation that Frank names and discredits employees increases the pressure on the media company. In the eyes of the archdiocese, this form of reporting is not only unethical, but also a threat to the employees affected.

It remains to be seen how the dispute will develop further. What is certain, however, is that both the Archdiocese of Cologne and the “Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger” are deeply rooted in Cologne society. The outcome of this dispute could have far-reaching consequences for both sides.