Dompfarr Toni Faber speaks in the krone.tv talk with Jana Pasching about hope, the meaning of Christmas, the relevance of the church in society and that celibacy is not responsible for everything. Certainly in times of multiple crises, one should not sit in the sand and become bitter, says Faber. “I don’t want to be caught up in this reality.” Especially in the greatest disputes, there are miracles of new beginnings.
Fear should not sow hatred, Faber warns in relation to the current crises. One must perceive fears, here the offer of the Church can act and promote towards hope and confidence.
Faber regrets that politicians in Europe want to erect fences against fugitives and that the EU is unable to create effective instruments to better tackle this problem. “I don’t have the miracle solution, but I know that if a sibling knocks on my door, I shouldn’t lock the door.”
“Word of Guidance and Interpretation is Increasingly Important”
After the corona pandemic at the beginning of this year, the number of people leaving the church in Austria rose rapidly. “Of course I realize that the church is increasingly losing its social relevance.” On the other hand, Faber felt very popular, especially in the time of Covid 19. “A word of guidance and interpretation is becoming increasingly important.”
“Leaving the church should not frighten us in Vienna with fear and terror.” Still, you need to think about how to deal with the changed situation. Financially, the balance can only just be made, because the strategies for the future have to be developed, for example how the mission of the church can still be fulfilled in ten years’ time. The church is still in high demand, Faber emphasizes, for example in Catholic schools, hospitals or facilities for the disabled or old people’s homes.
“Celibacy should be freedom, but nobody believes us anymore”
Abuse in society does not only take place where there are celibate priests, says Toni Faber. “Although any abuse by celibate priests carries more weight because one should have a higher level of moral integrity.” Any priest who abused is a disaster. “But celibacy is not responsible for everything.” It is state of the art that celibacy can be changed once. The fact that it hasn’t changed yet irritates some people even more. “There is also the attitude of seeking and finding benefits in celibate life,” explains the cathedral priest. “It should be a freedom, but no one believes us anymore and we have to be humble about it.”
Concerning women’s access to important offices in the Church, Faber had hoped from Pope Francis “that we are already further”. ten years. However, 40 years have now passed. “We still have homework for us.”
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Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
