Bishop Chalupka: “Democracy thrives on everyone’s shared concern for the community”

2024-01-01 17:38:27

“Word for the New Year” on ORF – Protestant churches would like to help “make this country even more livable and fairer”

Vienna (OTS) – To take part in elections and thereby work for the well-being of society – this is what the Evangelical Lutheran Bishop Michael Chalupka called for in his “Word for the New Year” broadcast on ORF on Monday, January 1st. Because democracy thrives “from everyone’s shared concern for the community.” In 2024, those eligible to vote would have the opportunity to elect the European Parliament and the National Council. Both elections are important. On the one hand, many issues such as climate change, security in Europe or questions about the global distribution of goods cannot be regulated in national parliaments, and on the other hand, many decisions require proximity to the citizens.

“Unfortunately, one election winner has already been decided: the party of non-voters,” stated the bishop. Chalupka pointed out that disenchantment with politics and “little enthusiasm to take part in political business” already existed in Old Testament times 3,000 years ago. He referred to a biblical fable in which the trees were supposed to choose a king. The olive tree refused, preferring to continue producing oil. Feigenbaum and Weinstock also did not want to enter the depths of politics. “Only the thorn bush was there with enthusiasm,” said Chalupka. But it wasn’t about the well-being of the forest, but about power and subordination to its rule. This fable shows that “it is neither noble nor clever to want to have nothing to do with the dirty business of politics.” People who work for the community deserve respect and respect, emphasized Chalupka, thereby clearly rejecting politician bashing. However, those who do not take part in political events are left, as in the biblical fable, “only to complain about the result. Or even about the threat to democracy.”

Protecting the earth together and shaping community

The churches are not involved in political parties, Chalupka emphasized. “But they are committed to the community and therefore also to democracy.” The Evangelical Churches are “thoroughly democratic churches,” reminded Chalupka, referring to the election of the Synod, the highest body of the Evangelical Church, which is also coming up this year. “We do this because we believe that God did not create people so that one could rule over others, but so that they could protect this earth together and shape their community.”

Even if only a minority of Austrians belong to the Evangelical Church, they “want to do something for this community and want to help make this country even more livable and fairer than it is. For everyone who lives in this country,” emphasized Chalupka and at the same time thanked the numerous members of other religious communities or volunteers in countless organizations who are also committed to this.