CHICAGO (IL)
National Catholic Reporter
Heidi Schlumpf | Jul. 25, 2013
CHICAGO For the crowd of more than 500 at the talk in Chicago by the founder of the Austrian Priests’ Initiative, Fr. Helmut Schüller probably didn’t say anything they hadn’t already heard. But the fact that a priest was not afraid to speak publicly and is networking with like-minded priests around the world gave many audience members hope that reform in the church is possible.
“We as priests try to do our best to support the people of the church in their desires for church reform,” Schüller said. “Let us bring hope and courage for the long march of change in our church.”
In the seventh stop on his 15-city “Catholic Tipping Point” tour, Schüller shared his experiences with the “Call to Disobedience” movement Wednesday at a charter high school in Chicago. The talk was sponsored by several reform organizations, including Call to Action, Women’s Ordination Conference, DignityUSA, FutureChurch, Voice of the Faithfu,l and Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests.
“After hearing Father Helmut, I’m encouraged,” said Joe Marren of Chicago, who added that he has worked for church reform for decades. “And I’m comforted that someone in the church is supporting us, the ‘lost generation.’ ”
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