Austrian Synodal Process - Interviews of Comtemporary Witnesses and Reception

The Synodal Process in Austria (Österreichischer Synodaler Vorgang) during the years 1973/1974, which coincided with Gemeinsame Synode der Bistümer der Bundesrepublik Deutschland (Würzburger Synode, 1971-1975) (Synod of the dioceses of Germany / Synod of Würzburg) and other National Synods in Europe (Dutch Pastoral Council 1966-1970; Synode 72 in der Schweiz / Synod 72 in Switzerland, 1972; Pastoralsynode der Jurisdiktionsbezirke in der DDR / Pastoral Synod of jurisdiction districts in the GDR 1973-1975), was important for the ecclesiastical reception of Vatican II in the Roman Catholic church of Austria. Opportunities and differences in participatory structures in the Roman Catholic Church given by law were evident in these synodal processes. The meetings represented and reflected the conciliar self-understanding of the Church and the tension between God's people and hierarchical church and service. The results were influenced by the two-way communication that is still alive in the memories of the contemporary witnesses. Their memory is 40 years after the event of the Austrian synod process necessarily selective. It refers to formative persons, to key debates, on the atmosphere and the contact among the participants, the reception, and what is done or not done, etc. The different degree of participation by participants in the respective dioceses is also visible. It is striking that the evaluation of the Austrian Synod Process and its decisions are related to the current situation in the Austrian church. It is also noticeable that some participants did not want to remember the events of the Synodal Process or were unwilling to give an interview.