During the traditional Christmas Mass at the Freiburg Münster, emotions ran high as loud protests erupted following a performance by the Domsingknaben. Attendees rallied for Domkapellmeister Boris Böhmann, who had been dismissed effective February 2025, resulting in prolonged applause and even some protest shouts against the Archdiocese of Freiburg.
Reports indicated supporters of Böhmann had distributed flyers before the service, featuring QR codes linking to petitions demanding the withdrawal of his dismissal. This moment of solidarity stirred palpable tension within the church on Christmas Eve.
Erzbischof Stephan Burger struggled to maintain order and was forced to interrupt the proceedings as the atmosphere escalated. Catholic television station k-tv even ceased its live broadcast, declaring, "We request your forgiveness as the transmission could not be continued due to willful disruption of the service," reflecting the severity of the moment.
The Archdiocese criticized the protests. A spokesperson pointed out, "This was clearly willful disruption," adding, "Many visitors who had nothing to do with the conflict were deliberately drawn involuntarily." These disturbances at such a traditionally sacred time were deemed inappropriate, inciting strong feelings among those who attended the Mass to celebrate the holiday.
Underpinning this upheaval was the controversial dismissal of Böhmann without transparent explanations. Citing privacy laws, Archdiocese representatives refused to disclose specifics around his termination, leaving many baffled, especially considering Böhmann's long-standing contribution to the church community.
Conflicts within the Domsingschule, where Böhmann directed four choirs, have been brewing for years. Reportedly, multiple attempts at mediation over the issues have repeatedly failed, leading the Domfabrikfonds to make the difficult decision of Böhmann's dismissal. Despite the gravity of the matter, the church maintained its stance, describing the decision as "ultima ratio" or last resort.
Critics, including choir members and their families, have expressed resentment at being excluded from discussions about Böhmann's future, claiming the process was void of proper engagement. The spokesperson for the Archdiocese acknowledged the unrest, saying, "It is understandable for discontent to manifest following the dismissal of such a long-serving choir leader. Yet, we cannot reveal specific details due to privacy reasons, which has led to confusion among all parties involved."
Regarding the protest fervor, many participants indicated they felt compelled to speak out against what they perceived as unjust treatment of Böhmann, emphasizing the emotional bond established over years of leadership and mentorship within the choirs.
Further complicate matters, as of now, Böhmann's court case challenging the dismissal has been dismissed by the Freiburg labor court. Nonetheless, the decision remains irrefutable as the ruling has yet to become final, inspiring supporters to orchestrate additional protests and advocate for dialogue with the Archdiocese.
Despite these tensions, Erzbischof Burger utilized the Mass to address broader global issues, reminding attendees of the struggles faced by many worldwide. He urged congregants to embrace the spirit of Christmas and spread hope and reconciliation amid turmoil. His message, though noble, found itself punctuated by the gravity of the protest and questions surrounding the Archdiocese's internal conflicts.
With the proceedings of Christmas ending amid uproar and uncertainty, it is clear the events at Freiburg Münster on December 24 served as more than just reflections of holiday spirit; they underscored significant divisions and dialogues within the church community. The legacy of Boris Böhmann and the future of the Domsingschule remain uncertain as the Archdiocese seeks to mend fences amid the turmoil stirred at this holy gathering.
