Joseph Hubert Reinkens, German bishop and academic (b. 1821)

Joseph Hubert Reinkens (March 1, 1821 – January 4, 1896) holds a pivotal place in ecclesiastical history as the first bishop of the Old Catholic Church in Germany. His life and career are intricately linked to a significant schism within the Roman Catholic Church during the late 19th century.

This pioneering role stemmed directly from the theological controversies surrounding the First Vatican Council (1869-1870), which promulgated the dogmas of Papal Infallibility and the universal ordinary magisterium. A considerable number of theologians, clergy, and lay faithful, particularly in German-speaking territories, found these new doctrines irreconcilable with what they understood to be ancient Christian tradition and the collegial nature of the episcopacy. They became known as "Old Catholics" for their adherence to what they considered the original, pre-Vatican I form of Catholicism.

Having served as a respected professor of Church History at the University of Breslau, Joseph Reinkens emerged as a prominent intellectual leader among these dissenters. His scholarly reputation and clear opposition to the new dogmas made him a natural choice for leadership. Consequently, on June 4, 1873, he was elected as the first bishop for the burgeoning Old Catholic community in Germany by a synod comprising both clergy and laity.

His episcopal consecration, a landmark event for the fledgling movement, took place on August 11, 1873, in Rotterdam. The consecrating prelate was Archbishop Herman Heykamp of Deventer, a bishop from the Old Catholic Church of Utrecht. This act was crucial, as the Church of Utrecht had maintained an independent episcopal succession for centuries, providing a valid line of ordination for the new German church. This consecration formally established an independent Old Catholic hierarchy in Germany, distinct from the authority of the Roman See.

During his episcopacy, Bishop Reinkens dedicated himself to organizing and consolidating the nascent German Old Catholic Church. He focused intently on establishing its theological foundations, developing its liturgical practices, and building a resilient community that aimed to uphold the perceived original teachings and traditions of the undivided Church. His steadfast leadership was instrumental in navigating the numerous challenges faced by this new religious body, ensuring its survival and fostering its growth in a predominantly Roman Catholic environment. Bishop Reinkens passed away on January 4, 1896, leaving behind a firmly rooted Old Catholic presence in Germany.

Understanding the Old Catholic Church and Bishop Reinkens' Role

The establishment of the Old Catholic Church was a direct and significant response to fundamental theological disagreements with the Roman See in the late 19th century. Joseph Hubert Reinkens' election and consecration were therefore not merely ceremonial but foundational acts that provided essential legitimate episcopal leadership to a community seeking to maintain what they perceived as the ancient Catholic faith.

What led to the formation of the Old Catholic Church?
The primary catalyst was the First Vatican Council's declaration of Papal Infallibility and the universal ordinary magisterium. Those who became "Old Catholics" believed these dogmas represented an unacceptable innovation and a departure from the historical understanding of the Church's authority, leading them to separate from Rome.
Why was Joseph Hubert Reinkens chosen as the first German Old Catholic bishop?
Reinkens was a distinguished theologian and scholar who had publicly and intellectually opposed the Vatican I dogmas. His profound intellectual standing, leadership qualities, and commitment to the movement made him a natural and respected choice, elected by the community to guide their independent church.
By whom was Bishop Reinkens consecrated?
He was consecrated by Archbishop Herman Heykamp of Deventer, a bishop from the Old Catholic Church of Utrecht. This lineage is historically significant because the Church of Utrecht had maintained an independent episcopal succession for centuries, providing a recognized source of valid ordinations for the burgeoning Old Catholic movement across Europe.