Vienna cardinal takes tough line on priest revolt

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http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/09/17/uk-austria-church-idUKTRE78G1F220110917

(Reuters) - The head of Vienna's Roman Catholic community ruled out sweeping changes demanded by dissident priests and said there could be "serious conflict" if they defied Church teaching on celibacy or give communion to remarried divorcees.

Vienna Cardinal Christoph Schoenborn said he would not lead his diocese into a schism with leaders in the Vatican by letting priests flout Church rules after a group of priests issued a "Call to Disobedience" manifesto to try to press reform.

In weekend interviews with Austrian radio and television, Schoenborn backed celibacy for priests, limiting ordination to men and preserving marriage as a life-long commitment.

"If in our diocese here I would step out of line with the community of the Catholic Church then I would lead our diocese into a schism. I am not ready for this and I think no Austrian bishop is ready for this," he said on Saturday.

[ZombieHorde]

1. Interesting. nt

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2. It never ceases to amaze me

that so many priests and lay people still think the Catholic Church is a democracy.

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3. What I think it says - is that in the west - change is coming

To the catholic church.

But as usual, very slowly.