Top German Lutheran bishop resigns after drunk-driving charge

CWN - February 24, 2010

Bishop Margot Kaessmann, the leader of Germany’s Lutherans, has resigned after she had her driving license revoked for driving while intoxicated. Pulled over after running a red light on February 20, she was found to have a blood-alcohol level three times the legal limit.

“I am shocked at myself for committing such a grievous error,” she said. “I'm aware how dangerous and irresponsible it is to drink and drive. I will accept the legal consequences.”

The leader of 25 million German Lutherans said that she felt obliged to step down from her position after the arrest. "My heart tells me quite clearly that I cannot stay," she said.

Additional sources for this story
Some links will take you to other sites, in a new window.

An appeal from our founder, Dr. Jeffrey Mirus:

Dear reader: If you found the information on this page helpful in your pursuit of a better Catholic life, please support our work with a donation. Your donation will help us reach five million Truth-seeking readers worldwide this year. Thank you!

Easter Campaign:
Progress toward our Spring 2013 goal ($34,555 to go):
$80,000.00 $45,444.82
43% 57%
Sound Off! CatholicCulture.org supporters weigh in.

All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!

Show 3 Comments? (Hidden)Hide Comments
  • Posted by: john.paul3561 - Feb. 25, 2010 9:14 AM ET USA

    I think you mean "driving while intoxicated."

  • Posted by: Gil125 - Feb. 24, 2010 4:06 PM ET USA

    But, Woody, in the end her Grace had the grace to do the graceful thing. Would that some of our male (and truly Apostolic) bishops who have done fazr worse shared that grace.

  • Posted by: Woody - Feb. 24, 2010 11:45 AM ET USA

    A woman bishop and a woman driver! Worst of both worlds......

Catholic World News Email Newsletter
Donate to Support this Site: Your contribution will be put to good work.
Tour the CatholicCulture.org Site
Shop Amazon to Raise Money for Catholic Culture

Recent Catholic Commentary

Learning from the sick, and from the death of a child May 17
The case for change in Irish abortion law: based on a framework of falsehood May 17
The Smell of the Sheep May 16
Too many missing funds: Catholic institutions need tighter financial controls May 16
What capitalists should learn from the Pope's critique May 16

Top Catholic News

Most Important Stories of the Last 30 Days
Pope strongly supports call for reform in religious life CWN - May 8