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

While the video prompted a formal reprimand from Bonnemain to the involved pastors in Jan 2023, the incident reflected the tension within his diocese.

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. 2022---Another-departure-because-of-Bishop-Bonnemain

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". While the video prompted a formal reprimand from

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

In addition to the code of conduct, 2022 saw several instances where Bonnemain was caught between progressive demands and conservative backlash.

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