New year appeal for religious freedom

In his New Year’s Day sermon at St Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna, Cardinal Christoph Schönborn called on Muslim countries to respect the basic value of religious freedom. writes Christa Pongratz-Lippitt.
Most of Austria’s Muslims were now Austrian citizens and must not be put under general suspicion, he said and added, “If you love Austria, don’t divide it.”

He was fully aware that the fact that Austria was taking in so many for the most part Muslim refugees was deeply worrying for many Austrians, he said, pointing out that according to the latest polls, 80 per cent want Austria to remain a Christian country. That meant, however, that Christians must show greater commitment to their faith, go to church and read the Bible more often, he said.

Around 4,000 people attended the New Year’s Day Mass. Large numbers of police were on duty.