Cardinal Schönborn Calls for Respect from Muslims in Austria
Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, who is stepping down from his position as Archbishop of Vienna around his 80th birthday at the end of January, advocates for a "bridge-building without naivety" in relation to Islam and called for more objectivity and less emotion on the topic of migration during the ORF "Press Hour" on Sunday. At the same time, it must be made clear to immigrants that they must adhere to the fundamental values of democracy and commit to Austria.
Cardinal Schönborn Calls for More Objectivity on the Topic of Migration
"The Islamic concept of identity, of state and religion, is no longer acceptable to us in this form," Schönborn emphasized. Muslims in Austria must commit to being primarily citizens of this country and that they can practice their religion freely here - "but with respect for other religions". The Catholic Church also had to learn this in history. The relative distinction between religion and politics is ultimately also linked to civil liberties such as freedom of religion, conscience, and assembly.
Austria needs immigration due to the demographic situation, Schönborn clarified. Elderly care, such as 24-hour care, would not be possible otherwise. This issue must be separated from the topic of refugees. At the same time, he called for treating these people as well as one would like to be treated in their situation.
Priesthood for Women Remains a Topic
The question of whether women should be open to the priesthood will remain on the table from Schönborn's point of view, even after the recently concluded World Synod. Anyway, many women are already in church leadership positions. He also has no problem with communities being led by women. However, the office of the pastor is tied to the priesthood, which has been practiced only by men for 2000 years according to tradition.
The Catholic Action Austria (KAÖ) meanwhile, according to Kathpress, called for binding co-determination rights at the church leadership level in a statement on Sunday. Mandatory consultation, transparency, and accountability should - as demanded by the World Synod - also be applied in the case of a bishop's appointment, as is now the case in the Archdiocese of Vienna, demanded KAÖ Vice President Katharina Renner. She also criticized the underdeveloped co-determination rights in the parish councils.
(APA/Red)
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