Swiss Bishop Appoints Female Vicar General

Bishop Felix Gmür of Basel, Switzerland, has appointed theologian Sarah Gigandet to a senior leadership position in the diocese. From 1 November, she will share the responsibilities of the vicariate general with incoming Vicar General Ruedi Heim.

The Diocese of Basel announced this unusual arrangement under the headline 'Vicariate General becomes more synodal'.

Gigandet, aged 40, will formally hold the title of Episcopal Delegate in the Vicariate General, while Heim will be the canonical Vicar General.

According to the diocese, however, the two will divide the areas of responsibility between them and jointly assume leadership responsibilities.

According to canon law, the office of vicar general, which involves exercising ordinary executive authority as the bishop’s deputy, is reserved for priests. Therefore, Gigandet cannot formally be appointed vicar general.

Bishop Gmür is known for his pro-homosexual activism. He also supports the ordination of women as deacons and priests.

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