Austrian priest sanctioned for breaking celibacy vow
AFP
VIENNE,(AFP) - A Catholic Austrian priest, who admitted to living with a woman thereby breaking a vow of celibacy, has been discharged as supervisor of a Church district but can continue to minister, according to a Church decision published Monday.
Josef Friedl, 65, publicly announced earlier this month that he had been living with his partner for many years amid an ongoing debate, even in the country's conservative circles, about whether celibacy is still required.
Linz Bishop Ludwig Schwarz told Friedl on Monday that he could no longer be dean, a function that allows him to represent parishes in the diocese.
"The rule (of celibacy) is still in force and its validity has been clearly stated" by the Vatican, Schwarz said, adding that Friedl would be summoned at a later date for further talks.
Friedl has been priest in the central town of Ungemach since 1977 and will continue to hold mass until further notice.
According to theologian Paul Zulehner up to one fourth of Austria's Roman Catholic priests live with a female partner.
-----------------------------------------------------
Image from www.kleinezeitung.at.