For cost reasons, the Diocese of Graz-Seckau sells the Stiegenkirche, the oldest church in the Styrian capital. There is a stakeholder. But there is resistance within the diocese.
The church tower rises hidden behind a row of houses in the old town, the sacred space is entered via a characteristic staircase from the Sporgasse: the Stiegenkirche is not only a special feature as the oldest church in Graz (1343) – it has also been at the top for a long time the diocesan church List of places of worship in Styria for sale.
For it is as sure as the Amen in prayer that not every holy building in the land can be preserved. If the number of believers decreases, so does the income, which is also badly needed for maintenance.
“The subject is emotionally very difficult”
Now the Diocese of Graz-Seckau has found a potential private buyer: a woman who wants to keep the Church as such. Of course, not everyone will be happy with the sale of church property, but there is resistance within the diocese. “There is interest from private and Christian sister churches that need space for subsidiary churches, but the subject is emotionally very difficult,” admits Thomas Stanzer, spokesman for Bishop Wilhelm Krautwaschl.
One thing is clear: there are complex testing procedures, as the Vatican has made it clear that churches cannot simply be “desecrated”, ie used outside the church. “Of course we would like to see further ecclesiastical use.” So the process is still ongoing!
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
