Religion: "Vienna Declaration" Signed - What's Inside
The declaration condemns, among other things, "any misuse of religion to incite or justify terror and violence". It also appeals to all people in Vienna to commit to "maintaining peaceful and respectful coexistence in our city".
"Constructive Cooperation of Religious Communities"
In Vienna, there is "good, sustainable and constructive cooperation among religious communities", according to the text titled "Religions for Peace".
This is "also the fruit of a long-standing dialogue in our city. From this experience and from our shared responsibility, we commit ourselves to peace - in the conviction that faith can be a powerful basis for peaceful coexistence." And: "We firmly condemn any misuse of religion to incite or justify terror and violence," the declaration states. "At the same time, we oppose any form of discrimination and threat to religious life. We commit ourselves to strengthening mutual understanding and cohesion in our religious communities with all our might."
Schönborn's Concern
For him, it was important to reiterate the message that had been a concern for him for 30 years, Schönborn stressed to journalists afterwards. This should now be underscored again. This had already been done, for example, after the terrorist attack on November 2, 2020, and also during the Corona pandemic.
In recent decades, attempts have been made to identify past problems and pursue paths of reconciliation, said the Archbishop. This concerns, on one hand, the Jews, who have been subjected to horrific acts in Austria. On the other hand, Austria also has a warlike history with Islam. "For us as Christians, it is important to say, these people are Austrians." They also orient their lives towards God.
"Vienna Declaration": Text Decided Last Year
The declaration was not developed in response to current events, said Schönborn - but it remains "permanently relevant". There is no connection with the recent statements of the Lower Austrian governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner (ÖVP) about Islam - the text had already been decided in December. Regarding the content, Schönborn said that we must confront the statement of many people that religions are the causes of conflicts in the world. "Are they factors for conflict or part of the solution to the problem?"
Vural also emphasized that the declaration was not occasion-related. The topic has indeed recently become relevant. However, it is "a permanent concern" and hopefully extends "beyond the borders of Vienna," he said in response to a question directed at Mikl-Leitner.
For Engelmayer, it is "not a given that religions can interact respectfully with each other". Therefore, a sign was wanted to be set, which should now be carried forward.
(APA/Red)
This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.