Church has a colonialist and Euro-centric mind according to leading Benedictine

Father Eckerstorfer: Church must overcome Eurocentric perspective

Rector of the Roman Benedictine College Sant'Anselmo in domestic church newspapers: "We are still very much stuck in colonial thinking, also in theology and in the Church" - New Eckerstorfer book "Snapshots" published

The Catholic Church has to become much less of a Euro-centred Church and become a real universal Church. This was emphasised by the Rector of the Benedictine College of Sant'Anselmo in Rome, Fr Bernhard Eckerstorfer. In the current issue of the local church newspapers, he was quite self-critical about his own college. "We are still very Europe-centred. Our students have to learn mainly European philosophy. In Europe we talk about multiplicity, but we only start from our concepts. How is theology done in Africa or Asia? That is still little considered. We are still very much stuck in colonial thinking, also in theology and in the church. That's a pity."

For Eckerstorfer, Pope Francis is a strong impetus for internationalisation. This can be seen, among other things, in the appointments of cardinals, which more and more reflect the universal Church. Moving away from the Eurocentric perspective is certainly a lasting merit of Pope Francis, even if a cultural change always takes time.

He also strives for diversity in his own area, says Eckerstorfer: "On the one hand, I consciously try to increase the proportion of women among teachers and students, and on the other hand, to see how we can also get teachers from other parts of the world. So that there is an opening and widening and a plurality, which we demand but unfortunately still catch up with far too little."

The Benedictine university on the Aventine with the venerable name "Pontifical Athenaeum SantAnselmo" has existed for 136 years and has three faculties: one liturgical, one theological and one philosophical. 600 students from 70 countries dedicate themselves here to their basic and advanced studies. Most of them do not live in the Benedictine College, but in various seminaries, monasteries or student accommodation in Rome and only spend time on the Aventine during the day.

New book "Snapshots"

Eckerstorfer, who belongs to the Upper Austrian monastery of Kremsmünster, has been rector of Sant'Anselmo since the end of 2019. This summer, his new book "Momentaufnahmen" (snapshots) was published. In 60 short stories, Eckerstorfer talks about his life, his experiences and encounters in Rome, but also about life as a monk in Kremsmünster Abbey.

He finds food for thought at a rock concert, during a visit to a novice of Mother Teresa's order or during a touching encounter with a dying person. During the monastic morning routine, while snacking on chocolate, during a youth festival challenge or while watching the crowds of tourists in front of the keyhole of the Roman villa of the Order of Malta - the religious and rector provides insights into his very personal activities and thoughts. His topics range from very practical things like self-organisation or dealing with stress and exhaustion to his philosophy of life as a Benedictine or questions of faith that occupy him.

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