German and Austrian Catholics against vast right-wing conspiracy
Statement by the Presidium of Catholic Action Austria (KAÖ) and the Presidium of the Central Committee of German Catholics (ZdK)
For a Catholicism of Universal Human Dignity
KAÖ and ZdK against Neo-Integralism, Right-Wing Extremism, and Right-Wing Populism.
May 8, 2026
Catholic Action Austria (KAÖ) and the Central Committee of German Catholics (ZdK) stand for a socio-political Catholicism that courageously raises its voice for an inclusive and socially just society and for a liberal-democratic legal order, publicly advocates for its convictions, and articulates them in public discourse.
Therefore, both organizations formulate the following guiding principles and common positions:
KAÖ and ZdK are committed to democracy.
In a democracy, the best solutions are sought through debate. Majorities are formed that make decisions in accordance with universal fundamental rights. Minorities are protected. Rights are enforceable and apply to everyone. It is the best form of government, one that the Catholic Association of Austria (KAÖ) and the Central Committee of German Catholics (ZdK) not only value and support, but in which they are also deeply involved and actively participate in the competition of ideas.
Undeniably, right-wing populism and right-wing extremism strive in the opposite direction: They play on fears, reduce complex issues to simplistic blame, and deliberately fuel social divisions. In doing so, they disintegrate people, discriminate against minorities, and endanger the democratic foundations of our societies.
The KAÖ and ZdK oppose neo-integralist efforts.
In right-wing Catholic circles, there is support for elevating religious convictions to the highest guiding principle of the state.
Cathcon: They need to read Maritain on the Primacy of Spiritual. Without this primacy, atheistic dictatorships repugnant to all human dignity and decency became inevitable in the 20th century. If you reject this idea, Papal documents are not worth the paper they are written on.
The neo-integralist model promises the protection of faith and Christian values, but reveals itself to be a harsh ideological power politics under a religious guise. It is a political co-optation of the Church and faith to legitimize and make acceptable a creeping subversion of democratic institutions.
Theology, too, is a target of neo-integralism. Ideologically motivated reinterpretations of Catholic social ethics disregard its very core. The Catholic Association of Austria (KAÖ) and the Central Committee of German Catholics (ZdK) oppose fundamentalist tendencies—especially within Christianity—and uphold an understanding of religion that speaks out against violence and for universal human dignity.
The KAÖ and ZdK oppose right-wing extremism and ethnic nationalism.
Right-wing populist and right-wing radical movements and parties contradict the political mission of the churches. They advocate positions that demand Christian opposition.
This applies first and foremost to the narrative of supposedly homogeneous peoples. “Ethnos” instead of “demos”—this ideology serves as an attack on social diversity and on our political systems. It is in no way compatible with the Christian image of humanity.
The ethnically motivated exclusion of people relativizes or even denies their universal and inviolable dignity. Moreover, it undermines the principle of solidarity, which, according to Catholic social ethics, must apply to everyone.
Right-wing extremism and right-wing populism shirk all responsibility for creation, call into question universal fundamental rights, seek to curtail religious freedom for certain groups, and abolish the right to asylum. Christian opposition is imperative here. It is an obligation—especially when Christian groups seek proximity to, or allow themselves to be co-opted by, right-wing extremist parliamentary groups and so-called extra-parliamentary front organizations such as the Identitarian Movement. Here, an unholy bridge is being built between Christianity and contempt for humanity, racism, and the use of violence.
Right-wing extremism and right-wing populism threaten the separation of church and state, to the detriment of the fundamental values of liberal democracy and to the detriment of ecclesiastical autonomy.
We call upon all Catholic believers in Austria and Germany to actively engage in the promotion of Christian social teaching. Principles such as democracy and human rights must be preserved to guarantee the God-given universal dignity of every human being. Attempts to exclude these convictions from the Christian worldview and to ideologically appropriate the faith must be resolutely opposed. As part of the universal Church, we look beyond our own situation and seek solidarity that transcends boundaries. If we wish to continue living in dignity, freedom, and justice, we must also have the courage to stand up for our convictions.
Vienna and Berlin, May 8, 2026
A statement that does not mention God or Jesus and forgets each and every person has a soul to save.
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