A scandal has erupted in the small Bavarian town of Gausenberg involving Pastor Alexander Aulinger. Bishop Stefan Oster has banned him from performing liturgy and appearing in public as a priest following accusations of organizing alcohol parties with schoolchildren.
The conflict between the clergy has been ongoing for several weeks, and recently, sexual violence commissioner, lawyer Rosemary Weber, joined the case. She recommended that the diocese initiate a criminal investigation, pointing out potential criminal actions by the pastor.
Many parishioners, however, support the pastor, emphasizing his ability to connect with people and restore trust in the church. Local residents do not rule out the possibility that the pastor might have consumed alcohol with minors but note that similar incidents occur in other local organizations.
Pastor Aulinger himself refuses to step down from his position. His lawyer, Holm Putzke, called the accusations baseless and stated that they have no factual foundation.
