Life demands new alliances

Thanks to its promoters, Austria is a point of reference in the European Union for the One of Us campaign, calling for a European petition for the protection of the human embryo, notably for those Countries marked by relevant cultural and religious diversity. In fact, its Austrian promoters champion ecumenical and inter-confessional dialogue, typical of Austrian society. The campaign is due to receive major thrust thanks to the unconditional support of the Austrian Bishops’ Conference, voiced by its president, the archbishop of Vienna card. Christoph Schönborn. SIR Europe interviewed Gudrun Kugler, in charge of Austria’s One of Us promoting committee, on the prospects of the signature-collection. Kugler, an expert in family law and family theology and pastoral care, is the director of the "Observer on intolerance and discrimination against Christians", that works in conjunction with the Agency for Fundamental Rights of the EU. The One of Us Austria committee postponed the deadline for the signature collection to July 31st. In your opinion, how will the situation evolve? "We want to ensure that all the contributions that could help reach one million signatures in Europe come through. In Austria the main hurdles are linked to red tape procedures. Nonetheless we aim at extending the numbers of signatures already collected – from 29.500 to 40 thousand". What is the force and the main opposition to the campaign? "The Pro-Life Conference – an inter-confessional organization set up by individuals and associations who have at heart the protection of the human embryo and the dignity of the human person – is the main promoter of the One of Us Austria campaign. In fact, One of Us Austria is an example of successful ecumenism. It can be said that the main obstacles we encountered were an unexpected lack of interest on the part of secular media and the passive reaction of political movements before our request of support to the initiative".Which particular thrust did you receive in the words of Cardinal Schönborn and to what extent could they determine an increase in the signature collection campaign in Austria? "In the spring plenary Austrian bishops spoke in support of the European citizens’ initiative One of Us, praising the widespread support conveyed by Catholic associations. Also in the closing press conference president cardinal Schönborn expressed support to the public commitment of lay Christians in this area. ‘Giving a voice to the embryo is a fundamental aspect in the protection of weaker brackets. The human embryo is not raw material for economic interests or of other nature. The human embryo is one of us’, were the Cardinal’s words. As organizers, this represents much more that a help in the collection of signatures. It’s the realization of one of our goals, and ecclesial institutions share our same goal. We also work in conjunction with non-Catholic organizations that encourage the promotion of long-lasting mutual relations aimed at the protection of life. The urgent need to protect life requires new alliances. One of Us is a great opportunity for a public, unitary commitment. In central Europe this aspect of Christianity has been overlooked for many years. We hope that One of Us will initiate a new beginning".The recognition of the rights of the embryo conflicts with mounting secularization in Europe. Which aspects of One of Us have been most successful in Austria? "The protection of human life is an authentic desire for many people. Others find it hard to understand that embryos are killed to carry out research on embryo stem cells, although there are alternative possibilities for research on stem cells that don’t create problems of an ethical nature. In Austria this is not understood. People are enthusiastic about One of Us because it brings together European citizens around a project calling for authentic policies that are not aligned to mainstream trends and which has good chances of success".