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Cardinal Schönborn: Building bridges in challenging times
Cardinal Schönborn speaks about building bridges in society, migration and dealing with religion in Austria.
Cardinal Schönborn: Building bridges in challenging times
In a recent interview, Cardinal Christoph Schönborn commented on the role of religion in society and called for social and religious bridges to be built. This happened in the “Press Hour” program on Sunday, where he emphasized that these bridges are crucial, especially in politically and socially difficult times, such as those he has experienced in his almost 30 years as archbishop. Schönborn, who will retire as Archbishop of Vienna on the occasion of his upcoming 80th birthday, sees his task as necessary not only to mediate between conservatives and progressives within the church, but also to engage in dialogue with Islam. “My job is to act as a bridge builder,” he explained Kathpress reported.
In the discussion about migration and integration in Austria, the cardinal regrets that a differentiated view of these issues has so far been lacking. He called for more expertise instead of emotions and pointed out that society needs targeted migration to counteract demographic change. At the same time, he emphasized the need for migrants to adhere to non-negotiable values, particularly with regard to cultural practices from their countries of origin. He considers the separation of religion and politics to be fundamental in order to ensure religious freedom and true tolerance The Daily Mail reported.
Important values and unity
Schönborn criticized the increasing politicization of religion and pointed to dangerous developments in some countries, such as the instrumentalization of religion in India and Brazil. This discussion leads to a strong call for a stable democracy that also allows for countermovements. “We shouldn’t demonize each other,” he said in reference to the political debate and recalled positive experiences with FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl, which show that a common human basis can be found even in differences. Despite his concerns about the teaching of values in schools, he called for common training in religious education, with the values of the Gospel at the center.