Austrian cardinal fears 'serious conflict' if priests continue defiance

September 19, 2011

Vienna’s Cardinal Christoph Schönborn has warned rebellious priests against their defiance Church teachings on clerical celibacy, the ordination of women, and the indissolubility of marriage.

Cardinal Schönborn has been the focal point of protests by the Priests’ Initiative, a group of about 400 Austrian priests who have announced their intention to defy Church rules on issues ranging from homosexuality and female priests to the reception of Communion by divorced and remarried Catholics. The cardinal has said in the past that he is shocked by the priests’ open defiance. But he told interviewers that he still hopes the conflict can be settled without disciplinary action. “I am counting on dialogue and cooperation," he said.

"If it comes to actions that clearly contradict Catholic teaching on faith then it can lead to serious conflict," Cardinal Schönborn said. He did not elaborate on what sort of rebellious actions might precipitate that conflict, or what the consequences might be.

The Austrian cardinal did indicate that the Priests’ Initiative could not expect him to accept their call for radical change in the Church. Doing so, he pointed out, would mean leading the Church in Austria into schism.

Radical Catholics in Austria have announced plans to step up the pressure for change, with demonstrations outside the Vienna cathedral.

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• Vienna cardinal takes tough line on priest revolt (Reuters)
• Cardinal Schönborn plans no disciplinary action against dissident priests (CWN, 9/6)
• Austrian priests plan open disobedience, await cardinal's response (CWN, 8/31)