St. Pölten's Women's Commission in Limbo: Bishop Promises Future Structure

St. Pölten's women's commission, led by Bishop Alois Schwarz, has been left without a formal structure, sparking criticism from Austria's diocesan women's commissions. An open letter to Bishop Alois Schwarz highlights the issue, with the bishop assuring that a women's commission will indeed continue in the future.

The previous board of the St. Pölten Diocesan Women's Commission, comprising Anna Rosenberger, Veronika Prüller-Jagenteufel, Angela Lahmer-Hackl, Regina Sprinzl, and Magdalena Ganster, has not been involved in drafting the new statute. This exclusion has drawn criticism due to their valuable experience and process knowledge not being utilized in the statutory revision process.

A new statute is currently being created by a working group that does not include the previous board members. The criticism stems from Bishop Alois Schwarz not extending the term of the women's commission after five years. The open letter aims to maintain the church as a significant place for women and expresses regret for the lack of a smooth transition after the expiration of the previous commission's term.

Bishop Alois Schwarz has reassured that there will continue to be a women's commission in the future, despite the current lack of a formal structure. The open letter from Austria's diocesan women's commissions highlights the importance of involving experienced members in the statutory revision process to ensure a smooth transition and maintain the church as a significant place for women.