Vienna: Catholic Faculty actively combats racism and anti-feminism

Dean Lehner-Hartmann in statement: Faculty of Theology aims to be a "fear-free, uncensored space for reflection"

The Faculty of Catholic Theology at the University of Vienna is taking a stand against all forms of antifeminist and racist discrimination, which are also increasingly spreading in the religious sphere. In a statement published on the Faculty of Catholic Theology's website on Wednesday, the Faculty's Dean, Andrea Lehner-Hartmann, identified "worrying developments" that are not stopping at the gates of the Faculty of Catholic Theology, undermining equality and equal treatment there as well.

This includes a "sometimes aggressive dissemination of discourses in which traditional gender roles and patriarchal family concepts are propagated, LGBTQI+ rights and gender studies are rejected, Islamophobic and antisemitic statements are openly expressed, nationalist notions of identity are developed, and human rights are fundamentally questioned." This occurs throughout society, but increasingly also in theological faculties, according to Lehner-Hartmann, citing recent incidents in which women reported "misogynistic, homophobic, and racially motivated statements, defamatory letters, and even threats." This often remains hidden, but it triggers fear and uncertainty, especially among young academics.

Science, she argues, needs a "fear-free, uncensored space for reflection." The Faculty of Catholic Theology aims to offer such a space – therefore, it "vigorously defends this cosmopolitan discourse space" and accordingly "resolutely opposes inhumane tendencies that seek to enforce ideologically motivated censorship." Accordingly, it defends the path of interdisciplinary and international exchange as well as its commitment to a "discrimination-free working environment," for which the faculty recently developed its own "Code of Conduct" entitled "Look! Together against sexual harassment, discrimination, and bullying at the Catholic Theological Faculty."

Overall, it sees its own theological and religious studies work as an important contribution to social cohesion, Lehner-Hartmann concluded: "With our research, we make an important contribution to social issues of justice, the recognition of a hierarchy-free relationship between all people, and the responsible treatment of the planet."

Source