Christoph Schoenborn, Austrian Cardinal, OKs Gay Man For Parish Council

VIENNA -- Austria's cardinal has overruled one of his priests and is allowing a gay Catholic to serve on a parish council.

Florian Stangl lives in a registered domestic partnership. The 26-year-old was overwhelmingly elected to the council recently, but it was overruled by the priest – a decision initially backed by the archdiocese.

Such councils include lay people and discuss local church and parish affairs.

Cardinal Christoph Schoenborn changed his mind over the weekend after hosting Stangl and his partner for lunch, declaring Stangl to be "at the right place." Despite his close ties to his one-time professor, Pope Benedict XVI, Schoenborn has voiced an open mind to such taboo issues as priestly celibacy.

Church teaching holds that homosexual acts are "intrinsically disordered," but that gays should be treated with dignity and respect.

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Comments

[Justa Guy]

11:26 AM on 04/29/2012

I think the pope is "intrinsicly disordered"! so THERE! LOL

[carolla7411]

08:41 AM on 04/18/2012

No such thing as gay marrige in the catholic bible . God loves everyone , that does not mean do what ever you want to do. you have a choice that is your choice, but the bible tells it is not ok

[Fenrir Lokison]

05:26 PM on 04/13/2012

Poor cardinal, I pray he gets back into his word and gets re-educated in the Bible. He is now promoting sin in the church and is allowing wolf mingle and dine and play with sheep. I hope he is not surprised when they are devoured and he will have to give account to God for his decision.

[JDuck]

01:42 AM on 04/14/2012

And what will you say in your defense when facing the judgement of your god when he tells you many turned from him because of your bigotry towards gays...?

[Fenrir Lokison]

02:59 AM on 04/14/2012

jduck...He would not say anything...It is HE who calls it an abomination not I.

And I would love to get you to back your facts that I am a bigot.

Oh, wait, I've had you try that before...You have a problem with answering direct questions.

[WheelsOnFire]

01:34 AM on 04/15/2012

Here's something your religious handlers have cleverly hid from you.

Many reformed churches in Europe do not view monogamous same sex relationships as sinful or immoral. These include all German Lutheran, reformed and united churches, all Swiss reformed churches, the Protestant Church in the Netherlands, the United Protestant Church in Belgium, the Danish National Church, the Church of Sweden, the Church of Iceland and the Church of Norway.

The Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Scandinavia view homosexuality as moral. The Church of Sweden, the largest Lutheran church in the world, has gay clergy and began conducting same-sex marriages in 2009.

The Moravian Church declared in 1974 that gays and lesbians were full members of the Christian community.

The Old Catholic Churches in Germany, Switzerland, Austria and the Netherlands view homosexuality as moral, permit gay and lesbian priests, and bless gay couples.

The largest Protestant church in Canada fought for and helped to win gay marriage rights in that country.

The Episcopalians in the US allow individual bishops to choose whether or not to allow the blessing of same-sex unions within their bishoprics.

The Presbyterians in the US ordained their first gay priest last year.

United Church of Christ congregations marry same-sex couples.

Unitarian/Universalists have been marrying gay and lesbian couples since in the early 1970s.

Much of Christianity believes that homosexuality is normal and is neither sinful nor immoral. It is, in fact, in accordance with the bible.

[Fenrir Lokison]

03:22 AM on 04/15/2012

P1: Since you obviously have not been to the churches I have been too, I'll just let you attempt at telling me what I know and don't know because you don't know that the churches I have been two have talked on these subject.

With that said, the rest of your comment is now meaningless and not worthy of an answer.

[georgewjefferson]

10:49 PM on 05/15/2012

F&F, thanks for the update.

[saylove08]

07:52 PM on 04/11/2012

People need to understand that there is a HUGE difference between being a Catholic and being a Christian. To be a TRUE CHRISTIAN one has to LIVE BY the teachings of Christ as recorded in the Bible. To be a Catholic ALL you need to do is follow "blindly" the teachings of the Catholic church headed by the pope because MOST of their teachings are in direct contrast to those in the Bible. For example the Bible clearly states that to be a TRUE CHRISTIAN one has to repent from works of the flesh and among them is homosexuality (1 Corinthians 6:9-11) and for the Catholic church to disregard that is to say that the Bible is wrong. On the other hand, it's OKAY for them or anyone else to live their lives the way they want because the God of the Bible is not a dictator but gives everyone the willpower to choose how they want to live their lives but he does have STANDARDS that ALL who choose to worship him should live by, much like ANY group, including the HuffPost has rules that ALL those posting their comments MUST adhere to or else those comments will not be approved. We therefore CANNOT choose to worship God using our own standards but if we are SINCERE we will worship him the way he says we should, otherwise our worship is futile (Matthew 15:3-9).

[Fenrir Lokison]

05:17 PM on 04/13/2012

You are correct.

[WheelsOnFire]

01:37 AM on 04/15/2012

Two thirds of the world puts the bible on a scrap heap where it belongs.

Thus, most of the world does not follow it.

Cite from it all you want, but it's meaning less to the majority of people.

And your bible promotes slavery, stoning disobedient children to death, and blinding disrespectful children.

You'll understand then why I take a pass on that evil and erroneous ancient tome.

[jclivez]

08:15 AM on 05/16/2012

dear wheels on fire,
im sorry to say that those claims you made about the bible, are inaccurate, God never promotes slavery, and Jesus said that cursed is the one who harms the children, i dont know what book you have read but the the canonical bible i read and have been studying through seminary and divine revelation from my growing relationship with God does not promote harm to anyone, you have to be very careful not to read the book out of context, be careful for the devil is the deciever and there is a lot of falsehoods written out there, if you pray and ask God with an open heart to reveal his truths to you and you seek him to direct you above all else with an open heart he will reveal his truths to you, i pray you may be set free and come to the grace of Gods salvation and mercy in Jesus name

[dantx68]

12:44 AM on 04/11/2012

That man should not be allowed to serve on the parish council if he is in a relationship that goes against the Catholic church's teachings. Being gay alone does not disqualify him, but living in an open and practicing homosexual relationship should disqualify him from serving on that council because embracing his homosexuality and practicing it he is serving his own will and not that of God's which the Catholic church teaches through the teachings and examples that Jesus Christ did. Everyone sins and is a sinner and let him who is without sin cast the first stone, but that being said how can that man serve two masters and profess to be living in accordance to God's will? If he is living in way that is contrary to God's will and the teachings of the Catholic church and still serve on a council that is supposed to support and uphold Catholic christian values. Christians though should love and pray for one another and pray for those who persecute you, just as Jesus did we as Christians should live by his example.

[usmelllikepee]

03:44 PM on 04/11/2012

If you believe the gay man shouldn't serve because he is living a sinful lifestyle then I doubt you would be able to find anyone who could qualify to serve. Drinking is a sin. Gambling is a sin. Cheating on your spouse is a sin. To exclude the gay man because the sin you think he is committing is not the right kind of sin that should be allowed is bull. God loves everyone equally and doesn't ask you or anyone else on this earth to judge others for him.

[dantx68]

07:53 PM on 04/11/2012

We all sin. If a christian were to see another christian sinning it would be his duty to lovingly and respectfullly confront that person with his sin. Everyone likes to throw Matthew 7:2-5 but what that is saying is to not be a hypocrite. Matthew 18:15-17 correct your brother, not to judge but to hope and to inspire repentance in the other person. 2 Timothy 4:2 to preach the message to proclaim it and to convince, reproach and encourage with patience and careful instruction. So as a christian it is my duty to let another christian know that he is doing something wrong but I don't have to be cruel about it or disrespectful and I know other christians would do the same to me. Lets put it another way since you brought up drinking, would it be wise to say if a practicing alcoholic with many DWI's be on the board of MADD? No it would be ludicrious and the members would probably be appalled because it flys in the face of what they teach and believe and so it is with this gay man and the church, how can he be allowed to serve? For he is going against God's will and the church and what he purportedly believes. So how therefore can he be allowed to serve on a pastoral council that promotes the church and Catholisim? Yes God loves everyone, love the sinner and hate the sin.

[saylove08]

09:29 PM on 04/11/2012

According to the Bible, drinking is NOT a sin but overdrinking which leads to drunkenness is, just like eating is not a sin but overeating is (1Corinthians 6:10; Proverbs 23:20,21). Also Jesus turned water into very good wine. During the last supper he drank wine with his apostles (Luke 22:14-20). Around the world today many have chosen to sincerely REPENT from dead works including FORMER homosexuals, gamblers, adulterers, fornicators, thieves, murderers, etc, etc. (1Corinthians 6:9-11). The God of the Bible also gives those who choose to worship him the mandate to TEACH others about his ways so they too can CHOOSE to worship him according to his standards, or CHOOSE to reject his ways which to many seem too restrictive (Ezekiel 33:7-9; Matthew 28:19,20). That is why Jesus said that MANY are the ones finding the WIDE (unrestrictive) road leading to destruction, while only FEW are finding the NARROW (restrictive) road leading to life (Matthew 7:13,14). Explaining God's requirements to others is NOT judging them, but condemning them as though there is no more hope for them when God is still able to forgive them if they so CHOOSE, is judging and there is a thin line between the two. God is the final judge to the unrepentant but he LOVINGLY puts the blessing and the curse before each of us, and leaves it up to us to decide where we want to be.

[Tom Berndt]

08:21 PM on 05/03/2012

Of course.

[Michele Somerville]

06:59 PM on 04/10/2012

www.indietheology.com

[Indigo1941]

06:16 PM on 04/07/2012

In a world where "intrinsically disordered" means "not baby-making," forthright speech and open processes are scarcely a priority.

[WarBeagle]

09:26 PM on 04/06/2012

Ah yes, the obsession atheists have with religion. They hate it and wish it went away, but cannot stop commenting on articles regarding Christianity.

[nolo548]

09:42 AM on 04/07/2012

Good that religions exist - atheist had nothing to do if not so ...or had to think about their small brain - if they have any ... :-)

[Gregor53]

05:42 PM on 04/08/2012

Where do agnostics, Muslims or Jews fit into your world?

[usmelllikepee]

01:16 PM on 04/09/2012

One need not be an atheist to see the faults of organized religion.

[Fenrir Lokison]

05:22 PM on 04/13/2012

There are no faults with organized religion...The fault is with humankind. Because, in the end who is following the Bible?

[CarlIII]

11:04 AM on 04/06/2012

Hey take a look at that outfit he wears in public. I don't think he needs to come out of the closet do you?

[Tom Berndt]

08:23 PM on 05/03/2012

It's the mustache that is really disturbing.

[92102]

05:05 AM on 04/06/2012

.... said the man in the dress, red prada pumps and gold hat.

[Debra Martinez]

12:40 AM on 04/06/2012

This man is sick , and all that agrees with are too. When did God in Gen 3 stated let us make man for man or let's us create woman for woman. Boy Satan has your number and it's only time that he will be calling more of you!

[92102]

05:06 AM on 04/06/2012

Is that you Dana Carvey?

[nolo548]

05:27 AM on 04/06/2012

oh yes, there are soooo many sick people, those who believe in just the letters of the bible, those who can't cite (Gen 3 is the nice story of the serpent and with the promise of the "thorns and thistles"), those who claim to be "Witnesses of a mistake in writing (or reading)" (e.g. "Jehovah") and more !
BTW do you know the number of "Boy Satan"? If so you could publish it here ... so everyone could reject his call it they see that number on the display of their phone ...

[Debra Martinez]

09:51 AM on 04/06/2012

"Put away the numbers",what does that have to do with being sick?
Why its good in doing wrong and what does Jehovah God has to do with Satan?
I see that you all love wearing him everday " Look ,Listen, See" .....
Does it ring a bell.....
And as for the rest of you comment . You really don't make sense. Maybe if you are clean i can understand!

[Dan Kreutzer]

08:32 PM on 04/05/2012

dignified and respectful

[usmelllikepee]

01:13 PM on 04/05/2012

Glad to see at least one cardinal who actually follows the teachings of Christ instead of just preaching about them.

[Debra Martinez]

12:43 AM on 04/06/2012

When Jesus stated to love your neighbor (same-sex) , he never mention to sleep with them or marry them.

[TomMartin]

08:16 AM on 04/06/2012

Jesus did not say a word to forbid it either, at least not a word published in the New Testament.

[usmelllikepee]

02:01 PM on 04/06/2012

That's because the context of "love" was to meant to mean compassion, not sex. If you missing the meaning of that simple message then perhaps more remedial reading would suit you better.

[saylove08]

10:11 PM on 04/11/2012

Jesus LIVED his life in harmony with the scriptures and that's why when satan tried to tempt him he constantly rebuked him by telling him "it is written," and followed with a quotation of scripture. He also said he did not live to do his will but that he lived to do the will of his Father (John 5:30), meaning that he viewed homosexuality the same way his Father did, as something abominable (Leviticus 18:22; Romans 1:26,27). So as much as many want to believe that the cardinal is following the "teachings of Christ" he really isn't according to the Bible.

[DrJon]

01:29 AM on 04/05/2012

Homosexuality is wrong and all self-appointed keepers of intollerence know it!

[nolo548]

03:28 PM on 04/05/2012

'self-appointed keepers of intollerence' - may I suppose you include mainly yourself in that term?

[DrJon]

07:04 PM on 04/05/2012

No because Jebuzus and I are gay.

[Debra Martinez]

12:46 AM on 04/06/2012

That is so true maybe Cardinal Christoph Schoenborn has a homosexualilty shortage.

[DrJon]

09:19 AM on 04/06/2012

The Catholic Church does not have a homosexual problem. They have an abundence of pedophiles which has nothing to do with homsexuality.

[ProgressivesLoveAmerica]

11:59 PM on 04/04/2012

Progress happens in baby-steps in the Catholic Church, but it will have to be inevitable if they ever truly want to live up to the standards of their high minded philosophical ideals that they say they believe in.

Besides, progress is necessary if they want to continue to survive as an institution.

[sowlow8]

06:10 PM on 04/08/2012

They have survive for over 2 thousand years, 3% of the population want hurt them as well. He will be removed quietly and replaced with someone that is obedient to God's Word.

[ProgressivesLoveAmerica]

12:36 PM on 04/09/2012

Discrimination against His children, no matter how few in number they are doesn't seem compatible with "God's Word."