The Austrian Bishops collapsed in a row- Father Wagner's brother speaks out
Wagners Bruder: „Gerhard, das stehst du nicht durch“ | Nachrichten.at
On Sunday, 18.30 Helmut Wagner’s telephone rang. At the other end of the line was his brother Gerhard, the parish priest of Windischgarsten. He said: "Helmut, I have withdrawn from my office as Bishop."
OÖN: Mr. Wagner, how was your brother, when he informed you of this renunciation?
Wagner: He is above everything and sees them as not so pleasant.
OÖN: Are you sure?
Wagner: I had the impression that he is relieved. For my brother, withdrawal was the most sensible course. It was so hopeless that is what changed.
OÖN: What could your brother have changed?
Wagner: He has a parish in Windischgarsten, where all function together splendidly. He thought that this is also possible in the diocese, but the clergy was not behind it. All the bishops collapsed in a row.
OÖN: Do you have an explanation as to why?
Wagner: I have never had the feeling that this originates from the Pope. The reality is different. I have seen the first alarm level following the decision of the Deanery Conference. The whole thing is quite painful: they drove at my brother for so long until he gave up.
OÖN: Many are irritated by your brother’s statments. Among them that Harry Potter is the work of the devil and that the Hurricane Katrina a punishment of God. Your opinion?
Wagner: I have been too little occupied with these subjects. So I will not take a position as I am too much a diplomat. I have a similar attitude to him. I am a secondary school teacher and as such am also for clear lines. You need to set boundaries and orientation. Wishy-washiness is becoming a problem. Gerhard wanted to show this and that is why he has been banished.
OÖN: Has your brother sought advice?
Wagner: We were two or three times in contact. I told him: "Gerhard, you won’t manage it." At Christmas he was with me. He speculated what would happen if he became should be appointed Bishop. I discouraged him even then. You do not have to say to all yes and Amen. When he was appointed two weeks ago, he stood in shock.
OÖN: And now?
Wagner: I will visit him soon. A little talk. That he will need.
OÖN: Describe your brother.
Wagner: Ambitious, conscientious, loving. He will always help everyone. He has a lifelong sense of responsibility which he will take to the grave. He has until recently hoped that a miracle happens and he can change something. But society is not currently ready for someone like him.
On Sunday, 18.30 Helmut Wagner’s telephone rang. At the other end of the line was his brother Gerhard, the parish priest of Windischgarsten. He said: "Helmut, I have withdrawn from my office as Bishop."
OÖN: Mr. Wagner, how was your brother, when he informed you of this renunciation?
Wagner: He is above everything and sees them as not so pleasant.
OÖN: Are you sure?
Wagner: I had the impression that he is relieved. For my brother, withdrawal was the most sensible course. It was so hopeless that is what changed.
OÖN: What could your brother have changed?
Wagner: He has a parish in Windischgarsten, where all function together splendidly. He thought that this is also possible in the diocese, but the clergy was not behind it. All the bishops collapsed in a row.
OÖN: Do you have an explanation as to why?
Wagner: I have never had the feeling that this originates from the Pope. The reality is different. I have seen the first alarm level following the decision of the Deanery Conference. The whole thing is quite painful: they drove at my brother for so long until he gave up.
OÖN: Many are irritated by your brother’s statments. Among them that Harry Potter is the work of the devil and that the Hurricane Katrina a punishment of God. Your opinion?
Wagner: I have been too little occupied with these subjects. So I will not take a position as I am too much a diplomat. I have a similar attitude to him. I am a secondary school teacher and as such am also for clear lines. You need to set boundaries and orientation. Wishy-washiness is becoming a problem. Gerhard wanted to show this and that is why he has been banished.
OÖN: Has your brother sought advice?
Wagner: We were two or three times in contact. I told him: "Gerhard, you won’t manage it." At Christmas he was with me. He speculated what would happen if he became should be appointed Bishop. I discouraged him even then. You do not have to say to all yes and Amen. When he was appointed two weeks ago, he stood in shock.
OÖN: And now?
Wagner: I will visit him soon. A little talk. That he will need.
OÖN: Describe your brother.
Wagner: Ambitious, conscientious, loving. He will always help everyone. He has a lifelong sense of responsibility which he will take to the grave. He has until recently hoped that a miracle happens and he can change something. But society is not currently ready for someone like him.
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