Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Church and State

Photo: Liechtensteiner Volksblatt
Last night, Prince Nikolaus discussed matters of state and church in Schaan, Liechtenstein's biggest municipality. Other guests at the discussion forum included Adrian Hasler, the head of government, and Daniel Hilti, mayor of Schaan. The unbundling of church and state has been a topic that has kept the Principality busy for years.

The discussion was initiated by Prince Hans-Adam II after the erection of the archbishopric of Vaduz by the Holy See. (It is generally said that the the Princely Family did not like the move which was largely regarded as an act to settle quarrels in the Chur diocese to which Liechtenstein belonged before. The Liechtenstein-born former bishop of Chur, Wolfgang Haas, who then became the archbishop of Chur is a controversial figure to say the least.) In 1997, the Prince said that the strong linking between state and church was against the freedom of worship. Since then politicians have worked unbundle matters of state and church; the country has also worked on a concordat with the Holy See. As Liechtenstein's ambassador to the Holy See, Prince Nikolaus has been heavily involved in the whole process and headed the country's delegation who worked on the concordat.

More information and another picture can be found at Vaterland.


Source: Liechtensteiner Volksblatt

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