Church needs "constitutional changes" according to Head of Catholic Action Austria

Synodal Process: The President of Catholic Action hopes for more transparency in appointments and correction of "constitutional error" regarding equality of men and women

The President of Catholic Action Austria (KAÖ), Ferdinand Kaineder, calls for timely "constitutional changes" in the Roman Catholic Church. According to Kaineder in the "Oberösterreichisches Volksblatt" (Saturday edition), there is a "constitutional error" regarding the equality of men and women that needs to be corrected. In addition, there is a need for more transparency and participation, for example, in the appointment of bishops. The background is the "Synodal Process" initiated by Pope Francis. Kaineder assessed the path taken by the Pope, which focuses on co-operation and participation, as basically positive. However, he warned against too long debates: "Those who always just chew the cud will not be satisfied. That is too little."

The next test of the Austrian Church in terms of co-determination will be the succession of Cardinal Christoph Schönborn in the Archdiocese of Vienna, the KAÖ President predicted. "The diocese must play a decisive role in this and must not be surprised by the Vatican with a decision," said Kaineder, who suggests, for example, the elected pastoral council as a suitable body. Schönborn (77) is currently the longest-serving cardinal still in charge of a diocese. Pope Francis had extended his term of office "provisionally and indefinitely" when he reached the retirement age of 75.

However, the volunteers in the parishes also needed a right of co-determination. This should not be jeopardised by the structural reforms in the parishes, Kaineder warned. "The Church will need the volunteers even more urgently."

In Austria's dioceses, there have been surveys, discussions and initiatives since Autumn 2021 to involve as many people as possible in the synod. An "Austria-wide synthesis" was then drawn up from the diocesan results, the final version of which is to be sent to the responsible Synod General Secretariat in the Vatican by 15 August 2022. The KAÖ President hopes that this will also include much of the ideas of Catholic Action. The official lay organisation of the Catholic Church in Austria has already submitted four dossiers to the bishops, and a fifth is currently in the final round of voting, Kaineder stated.

Process up until Autumn 2023

Pope Francis has called on Catholics worldwide to participate in the two-year Synodal Process, which will culminate in a World Synod of Bishops in Rome in October 2023, entitled "A Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission". Its preparation is currently taking place in three phases - first at the diocesan level, then at the continental level and finally for the Church Universal. Religious orders, curia authorities, Catholic associations, communities and Catholic faculties are also invited to participate. The aim of this Synodal Process is to offer all the faithful the opportunity to "listen to one another and to the Holy Spirit", according to Pope Francis' motto.

Ferdinand Kaineder has an interesting past.