Dispute over reporting: Archdiocese of Cologne proceeds against KSTA!

Dispute over reporting: Archdiocese of Cologne proceeds against KSTA!

Kalk, Deutschland - in Cologne it is bubbling properly: the dispute between the Archdiocese of Cologne and the “Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger” is heading. The impetus was given a report on the opening of the Archbishop's Cologne-Kalk educational campus, which not only heated the minds, but also prompted Frank Hüppelshäuser to take an offensive step. In an open letter, he goes to court with the chief correspondent Joachim Frank and speaks of inhumane reporting that aims to discredit the archbishopric and cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki. Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger reports that Hüppelshäuser has been to draw a distorted picture of the archbi gift for years.

The approximately 80 million euros that the archbishopric has invested in the education campus to help the students in Cologne seem to have completely lost in the reporting. Instead, one focuses on accusations, such as the claim that employees were asked not to wear rainbow symbols. A teacher from the Cardinal Frings Gymnasium was even under pressure because he was wearing a rainbow-colored sweater. These allegations arouse concerns about fair and objective reporting in the archbishopric - Hüppelshäuser doubts about the agreement of the articles with the principles of journalism.

The reactions

The waves of criticism have not only made high waves within the archbishopric. Editor-in-chief Gerald Selch from the "Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger" rejected the allegations as defamatory and emphasizes that the free press is an essential tool to disclose criticism of the diocese management. The analysis of the mood among the Cologneers does not seem to meet the archbishopric. A Forsa survey showed that 83% of the respondents are dissatisfied with Woelki's leadership. These results differ greatly from the archbishopric's statement that its perception among the believers is consistently positive.

associated with these developments is the lack of understanding of the public about criticism from the archbishopric. The board of the Central Committee of German Catholics (ZDK) guarantees Frank Defense and described the attacks as baseless. The Society of Catholic Publicists (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 topic.

personal consequences

This dispute has personal consequences for Hüppelshäuser: After more than 20 years, he terminated his subscription membership at the "Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger". But he is not only in his criticism. It rumbles behind the scenes - or how you would say where: "There is something". The accusation that Frank named and discredited by name is increasing the pressure on the media house. In the eyes of the archbishopric, this form of reporting is not only unethical, but also a threat to those affected.

How the dispute will develop remains to be seen. 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 argument could have far -reaching consequences for both sides.