Barbara Velik-Frank: First Episcopal Vicar appointed in Carinthia!

Barbara Velik-Frank: First Episcopal Vicar appointed in Carinthia!

In a historic step for the Diocese of Gurk, pastoral theologian Barbara Velik-Frank was appointed the first episcopal vicar in Austria. Diocesan Bishop Josef Marketz announced that the doctor of theology will take over the newly created position of “Episcopal Vicar for Synodality and Church Development” from March 1st. This office was established to support the required progress in the promotion of lay people, especially women, within the Church, such as kathpress.at reported.

Velik-Frank already has extensive experience in the church environment. She has coordinated the diocese's church development process for the last three years and has taken on numerous pastoral tasks. Bishop Marketz said that with her knowledge and experience she will significantly advance the synodal development process in Carinthia. She herself emphasized that this was also a signal for greater responsibility for women in the church. Its goal is to actively shape the synodality and the development process, without necessarily having to make structural changes, such as kath-kirche-kaernten.at added.

A religious reform in motion

The establishment of the new office and the appointment of Velik-Frank are part of a broader plan to reform the church based on the impulses of Pope Francis. The episcopal decree establishing the office states that the teachings of the most recent synod of bishops and the synodal guidelines provide clear guidelines for future decisions in the church. This is reflected in the emphasized need to adapt the organizational structure of the diocese in order to effectively implement the priorities and goals.

Barbara Velik-Frank will also serve on several important committees in the diocese: She is a member of the Consistory Board, the Ordinariate Conference and the Diocesan Council. Her academic qualifications in specialized Catholic theology and her work in international development cooperation ensure that she can address the challenges of her new role with expertise and commitment. Their encouraging approach in an area that often has strong traditions could open up new paths for the future of the church in Carinthia.