Before the turn of the year, the Linz diocesan bishop addressed his compatriots via video message. In the debate about compulsory vaccination, religious communities have so far shown themselves to be rather cautious. In his message published on Monday, Scheuer now encouraged people to be vaccinated against Covid for their own protection and for the protection of others. At the same time, it is important “not to point fingers at each other and to contribute with accusations that deepen the conflicts”. Right now what is needed is cohesion and solidarity as well as the “willingness to put what is common before what divides”, said Scheuer.
The bishop reviewed the past year. Months of hope have been replaced by a new wave of infections. Concern for health, reliable health care and insufficient capacities required responsibility and consideration.
The mutual respect, the encounter, the conversation are irreplaceable. A unifying force is shared faith and the hope of a good life for as many people as possible, the bishop said in his video message. His final appeal: “Let us speak to the people who are important to us, but also to those with whom we struggle very hard, the blessing of God.”
Source: Nachrichten
