2022---another-departure-because-of-bishop-bonnemain May 2026

This report examines the 2022 context of departures and controversies surrounding Bishop Joseph Maria Bonnemain of the Diocese of Chur, Switzerland, a deeply polarized region within the Swiss Catholic Church. Following his appointment by Pope Francis in 2021—intended to bring stability to a conservative-leaning diocese—Bishop Bonnemain’s initiatives in 2022 generated significant backlash, contributing to a "record number" of faithful departing the Church. 1. The Core of the 2022 Conflict: A New Code of Conduct

A major controversy occurred in August 2022, when a female parish leader appeared to "concelebrate" Mass alongside a priest, a scene that went viral. 2022---Another-departure-because-of-Bishop-Bonnemain

The 2022 "departures" often cited in conjunction with Bishop Bonnemain are part of a broader, ongoing crisis of credibility in the Swiss Church regarding abuse handling and theological, rather than purely political, rifts. This report examines the 2022 context of departures

The August 2022 incident involved popular parish leader Monika Schmid, who left her position amid this brewing conflict, highlighting the strain on pastoral workers in the region. The Core of the 2022 Conflict: A New

Critics charged that the code, which called for respecting the "coming-out" of homosexuals and restricting "sweeping negative assessments" based on sexual orientation, was an attempt to introduce progressive, "LGBT ideology".

Over 40 priests refused to sign the document, arguing it undermined Catholic doctrine.

In September 2023, the Vatican ordered an investigation into high-ranking Swiss clerics—including those in Chur—for the handling of abuse cases, a development that further exacerbated the crisis of trust and led to "record" departures in 2023.