Religious superior sees Austria nearing schism
September 01, 2011
An influential Austrian abbot has said that divisions in the Catholic Church there cannot be resolved by a meeting between Vienna’s Cardinal Christoph Schönborn and representatives of the dissident Priests’ Initiative.
Abbot Martin Felhofer of the Schlägl Abbey said that the threat of open schism looms in Austria. “The lines are so hardened,” the Premonstratensian abbot said, that Cardinal Schönborn is unlikely to find common ground for his discussions with the rebellious priests, who have pledged open defiance of Church teachings.
Abbot Felhofer said that the crisis should be addressed by a broader discussion among Austrian bishops, priests, religious, and lay leaders about the future of the Church.
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Further information:
- Austrian abbots say Schönborn cannot stop schism (Tablet)
- "Das kann der Kardinal nicht mehr alleine lösen" (Der Standard)
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Posted by: john1948 -
Sep. 02, 2011 11:42 AM ET USA
The cardinal should suspend the ringleaders of this insurrection and make an example of them. If they remain stiff-necked, then laicise or excommunicate them. They have no interest in the spiritual welfare of their flocks and are only causing confusion and scandal. Cut off this dead wood and let the rest of the Church flourish.
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Posted by: filioque -
Sep. 02, 2011 10:42 AM ET USA
Perhaps an inordinate fear of schism has worked to the advantage of dissenters for several decades. How is it that the problems have persisted so long that "the lines are hardened"? Failure to expose and restrain error has done huge harm to the flock.
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Posted by: AgnesDay -
Sep. 01, 2011 5:44 PM ET USA
This is not to say that a schism is not a great evil, but masquerading as a Catholic in a position of authority is an even greater one. Let them go that will not listen.
