In his New Year's sermon, Overbeck warned of simple solutions to complex crises and to increasing polarization in politics, society and the Church.
"It has always been a great temptation that when people are afraid, they cling to simple slogans," the Ruhr bishop said, according to a pre-distributed speech manuscript.
"As you know, it is said that we only have to seal ourselves off and put our own interests first, then the difficulties would already dwindle. Such simplifications do not provide sustainable and equitable solutions. They obscure the view of the multifaceted causes of the crises."
Balance and reconciliation
According to Overbeck, the task of the church is to build bridges.
“Being a Christian means relying on balance and reconciliation, connecting people in all their diversity, and strengthening the freedom and democracy that thrives on balance of interests and compromise.”
Inside church, too, the bishop urged a respectful approach. Polarization, exclusion and mutual defamation contradict the Catholic claim.
"We need a willingness to understand each other, to listen patiently and to wrestle, to seek understanding and compromise."