Austria's bishops demand more synodality in the church!

Austria's bishops demand more synodality in the church!

In the Austrian Bishops' Conference, a clear line with the implementation of the synodal process was drawn during the spring general assembly from March 17 to 2025 in the Pannonhalma Abbey. The bishops confirmed the need for a synodal church, in the community, participation and the broadcast. Pope Francis in particular has emphasized that the results of the global synod have to be implemented quickly. This includes the formation of working groups in all dioceses that are to be directed by the respective diocesan bishops. The Austrian bishops greeted the advanced measures to strengthen synodality in Austria as a great opportunity to further consolidate the church community. Kathpress about the various challenges that are now concerned.

Strengthening the synodality and challenges of the government

Another central point of the discussion was the political responsibility of the new Austrian triple coalition from the ÖVP, SPÖ and Neos, which has been in office since March 3, 2025. The bishops praised the politicians' willingness to compromise as an essential part of a stable democracy. They emphasized that the state's need for consolidation, especially with regard to the budget, must be addressed urgently. Here it is important to maintain social justice and not to burden the weaker in society in particular. In this context, a reform of the tax system was also discussed in order to distribute the general stress fairly. Katholisch.at reported that the bishops emphasize the importance of political cooperation with the new federal government and the need to stand in the prayer, to stand in prayer, underlined.

These developments underline the urgency with which the Bishops' Conference wants to implement its principles and at the same time reacts to the political conditions. The dialogue between church and politics is considered essential to effectively act together in the service for the common good. The bishops agree that the challenges that lie in front of the government can only be mastered with a healthy and solidarity perception of political reality.