Religious Leader Calls for Open Dialogue on Islam and Migration

As Cardinal Christoph Schönborn prepares to step down as Archbishop of Vienna at the end of January, marking his 80th birthday, he emphasizes the importance of “building bridges without naivety” in interactions with the Islamic community. Speaking on a recent edition of ORF’s “press hour,” Schönborn advocated for a more objective and less emotionally charged approach to the topic of migration.

He believes that immigrants to Austria must commit to upholding the country’s fundamental democratic values.

Defining the Role of Islam in Austria

“The Islamic concept of identity, state and religion is no longer acceptable to us in this form,” Schönborn stated firmly. “ Muslims in Austria must acknowledge that they are, first and foremost, citizens of this country and that they can practice their religion freely here – ‘but also with respect for other religions.’ The Catholic Church also had to learn this in history. Ultimately, the relative distinction between religion and politics is also linked to civil freedoms such as freedom of religion, conscience and assembly.”

Schönborn’s perspective underscores the need for a clear understanding of the relationship between religious identity and national belonging, especially in a religiously diverse society like Austria. His statement hints at the delicate balance between preserving religious freedom and ensuring the integration of diverse communities into the broader societal fabric.

Addressing Austria’s Demographic Needs

Schönborn acknowledges that Austria relies on immigration to address its changing demographics. Without it, he argues, ensuring adequate care for an aging population, including crucial services like 24-hour care, would be a significant challenge.

He stresses the importance of separating the issue of immigration from that of refugees. “We should treat people as well as we would like to be treated in their situation,” he adds, emphasizing the importance of empathy and humanitarian considerations.

Schönborn’s stance aligns with the broader European context, where many countries are grappling with the aging population and the economic and social implications of declining birth rates.

The Ongoing Debate on Women in the Priesthood

Despite the recent conclusion of the World Synod, Bishop Schönborn believes the discussion about ordaining women as priests will continue.

While acknowledging that there are already many women in influential roles within the church, he expresses comfort with the idea of women leading churches. However, he reiterates the traditional stance that the office of pastor is intrinsically linked to priesthood, a role that, according to a longstanding 2,000-year tradition, has been exercised exclusively by men.

What is Cardinal Schönborn’s stance on‌ the relationship between Muslim immigration and the decline of‌ Christianity in ‌Europe?

##‍ An Interview with Cardinal Christoph Schönborn

**Interviewer:** Cardinal ⁤Schönborn, your recent ⁤comments on⁣ Islam and migration have sparked much discussion. ‍ Could you elaborate on‌ your call for open dialog and a ⁢less emotionally ⁢charged approach to these‌ issues?

**Cardinal Schönborn:** Certainly. I believe it ‌is crucial that we approach ⁣these complex subjects with​ both honesty and respect. We ⁣must “build bridges without naivety” [[1](https://www.catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=63343)], engaging in open and honest conversations ‌while recognizing the realities of our societies. ⁤ It’s not about ignoring differences⁣ but understanding them,‌ fostering common ground, and insisting on shared values like democracy and ​respect for all religions.

**Interviewer:** But some‍ argue that accepting Muslim immigration will ​inevitably lead to a decline of Christianity in Europe. What are ⁤your thoughts on this?

**Cardinal Schönborn:** I believe‍ that‍ suggestion is not ​only ⁢inaccurate but also unhelpful. Christianity’s decline in Europe is not directly linked to Muslim immigration. If Catholics ‌have chosen to leave the Church, we should focus on understanding ‌their reasons and addressing them, rather than blaming external factors. ​ [[1](https://www.catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=63343)]Also, it​ is​ important to remember that‍ a healthy ⁣and vibrant society allows for ​diverse beliefs and backgrounds.

**Interviewer:** You’ve stated ‍that‌ the Islamic concept of merging religion and state is not acceptable in Austria. Could you elaborate on this point?

**Cardinal Schönborn:** My intention is not​ to ⁤ dictate to any religion how it should be practiced, but⁤ to emphasize the importance of secular democratic values in our country.

Muslims in Austria, like all citizens, should feel free‍ to practice their faith, but this should not⁤ come at the expense ⁤of fundamental rights and​ freedoms. ⁢Just⁢ as the Catholic Church in Europe has learned to separate religious authority from state power, so too should other faiths [[1](https://www.catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=63343)].​

Building a truly inclusive society requires both respecting religious ⁢belief and ⁢upholding the principles of a secular⁢ state.

**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Cardinal Schönborn.