As the world grapples with ongoing conflicts and societal fractures, the Bishop of Styria, Wilhelm Krautwaschl, has delivered a Christmas message emphasizing the importance of hope over despair. In a wide-ranging interview with Kleine Zeitung on December 25,Krautwaschl addressed topics from the war in Ukraine to domestic Austrian policy,urging a renewed focus on respectful dialog and the pursuit of peace amid rising global tensions and political divisions. The bishop’s remarks offer a critical perspective on navigating complex ethical and societal challenges during a particularly fraught time for international relations and internal cohesiveness.
Amidst global crises and societal tensions, the Bishop of Styria, Wilhelm Krautwaschl, is urging people to embrace hope this Christmas season rather than succumb to despair. The call for optimism comes as conflicts rage in Ukraine and divisions deepen within communities worldwide, prompting reflection on the circumstances surrounding the birth of Jesus.
“Was there really room for Christmas joy when Jesus was born?” Krautwaschl asked in a recent interview with “Kleine Zeitung” on December 25. He pointed to the war, foreign occupation, and displacement that characterized the time of Jesus’ birth, adding, “And yet, God became human. That gives reason for joy even today, in times of crisis.”
The bishop emphasized that finding joy is possible even during difficult times, while simultaneously calling for more respectful dialogue and a “disarmament of words” as a contribution to peace. He cautioned against viewing the situation with simple optimism, stating, “Optimism is too worldly a concept for me. I prefer hope, because hope means believing beyond the world.” Hope, he explained, allows people to avoid resignation even in the face of adversity.
Regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine, Krautwaschl asserted that Christians must advocate for peace, but also affirmed the legitimacy of self-defense in the event of an attack. He referenced the Pope’s recent peace message, which criticized the allocation of 2.5 percent of global GDP to arms purchases, questioning whether security can be achieved solely through increased military spending or through improved relationships. This debate underscores the complex considerations surrounding international conflict and the pursuit of lasting peace.
Krautwaschl also expressed concern about growing apathy fueled by social media. “We are experiencing a situation where, due to the constant need to look, we can no longer see,” he said. “But we are also becoming increasingly indifferent to how we treat each other. Instead of strengthening what we have in common, we hurt each other with words and actions. And to protect our small world, we surround it with fences.”
The bishop also criticized U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s interpretation of the parable of the Good Samaritan. “He has not understood that as Christians, we are not born into the world for ourselves alone, but that we must constantly ask ourselves anew who has become our neighbor in need,” Krautwaschl stated. He defined a Christian attitude as making oneself a neighbor, like the Samaritan who helped a complete stranger in dire circumstances, calling it “our duty.”
“Remembering the Big Picture”
Addressing the Austrian government’s austerity measures, Krautwaschl acknowledged the democratic process, stating, “If the government and parliament have decided this because they believe it is right and important, then I accept that. That is democracy.” However, he added that the church’s role is to “remind people of the big picture,” citing the reduction in development aid as an example. He expressed relief that the church’s aid organizations are still able to achieve positive results on a smaller scale.
Krautwaschl emphasized the need for the church to remain relevant in today’s world. Regarding the debate surrounding the display of crosses in classrooms, he pointed to existing legal regulations and asserted that the cross is “much more than just a Christian symbol.” He argued that removing it would disconnect society from its history, noting that the debate was quickly ended by the leader of the party initiating it.
Finally, Krautwaschl addressed the recently approved ban on headscarves for girls up to age 14 in schools by the ÖVP, SPÖ, Neos and FPÖ, referencing the bishops’ position that wearing a headscarf should “never be about coercion in the sense of an obligation or a prohibition.” He also questioned whether constant legal intervention is a motivating factor, while stressing that tolerance should not mean leveling everything. “Ultimately, it is about the common good of us all and the question of whether we really want to engage with each other. If that is the case, then it doesn’t matter where someone comes from.”
Source: kathpress
