Church for human rights: Courage to solidarity in difficult times

Church for human rights: Courage to solidarity in difficult times

Salzburg, Österreich - Salzburg, January 10, 2025-A explosive discussion unfolded yesterday at the Austrian pastoral conference 2025, where Peter Schipka, the general secretary of the Austrian Bishops' Conference, rejected the statements of Lower Austria's governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner to the "Islam fight" in sharp words. "Religion must never be a reason to discredit people," emphasized Schipka, describing such statements as disturbing. It is unused to attack hundreds of thousands of fellow citizens because of their belief. These events throw a light on the importance of solidarity in a multicultural society in which groups in need of protection must also be addressed, as Schipka clarified.

democracy and Christian values ​​

at the conference, which is under the motto "Mission of the future. Christ: in being for a democratic society", Bishop Josef Marketz also called on active political engagement. He emphasized that political commitment to Christians was not just a choice, but an obligation. "Democracy is a way of life," said Marketz, and private beliefs should not be in contrast to social responsibility. This responsibility should be lived in the sign of human dignity and charity, as he underlined as the core of the Pope's message. The conference attracted around 350 participants: inside, including high -ranking church representatives and politicians, to discuss the role of the church in society.

Schipka also referred to the dangers of emotionalized social discussions that hide the risk of questioning fundamental human rights. He encouraged to stand up in difficult debates for confidence and solidarity. These urgently needed values ​​open up a dialogue that goes beyond one's own religious borders, and promptly call for active participation in times of populism and disenchantment with democracy. As part of the event, various experts discussed: inside the challenges and opportunities that democracy stand up today, among them the former President of the Supreme Court, Irmgard Griss, who came up with sharp criticism against populist narratives.

Despite all the challenges, the pastoral conference offers a forum for a dedicated dialogue and promotes citizen participation, which is considered a key to living democracy. As summarized in a call, it is up to the members of the church to "confess" color "and, above all, to give a voice to strengthen the basics of democracy, in conclusion. The discourse will continue until January 11th and offers numerous impulses for future social and church orientation.

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