Reformist Austrian priest to tour U.S. this summer, calling for institutional change
For Immediate Release
Contact: Erin Saiz Hanna, 202.675.1006
Sr. Christine Schenk, 216.513.3647
Reformist Austrian priest to tour U.S. this summer, calling for institutional change and inclusive priesthood
Fr. Helmut Schüller, founder of the Austrian Priests’ Initiative-a movement organized to address the global crisis of priest shortages-will begin his first national speaking tour in New York, this July. Covering fifteen U.S. cities, The Catholic Tipping Point: Conversations with Helmut Schüller, is sponsored by nine progressive Catholic organizations, echoing his call for inclusive and transparent changes to Church governance, including women, LGBT persons, and married priests.
Spearheading a 2011 "Call to Disobedience," that was positively received by over 70% of Austrian priests, Fr. Schüller calls for the admission of women and married people to the priesthood, as well as greater lay leadership and transparency in Church governance. The campaign was rebuked by Pope Benedict XVI in a sermon last year. Fr. Schüller, who once served Cardinal Christoph Schönborn as vicar general, was subsequently stripped of his honorary title of "Monsignor, Chaplain of His Holiness," but remains a priest in good standing.
Schüller’s U.S. tour comes in the midst of a steadily worsening priest shortage. A 2009 study from the National Federation of Priests’ Councils found that for every 100 priests who retire, only 30 are available to replace them.
Red ribbons, symbolizing the spirit of Pentecost and calling for the renewal and celebration of the rights of the laity, will be worn by Fr. Schüller and parishioners throughout the tour. The ribbons will be collected in each city and carried with Fr. Schüller from coast to coast, representing a commitment to dialogue between clergy and laity. National organizers have requested a meeting with Timothy Cardinal Dolan of New York, president of the U.S. Bishops’ Conference and the tour will culminate with an offering of these ribbons to the Cardinal.
The Catholic Tipping Point tour launches July 16 in New York, and includes a presentation at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. on July 22. For more tour information and local contacts visit www.catholictippingpoint.org.
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