Advice on consequences

Internal reprimand for Toni Faber’s “celibacy” statement

A welcome guest at events: Cathedral priest Toni Faber with Natalie Nemec, here at the Opera Ball.(Bild: Imre Antal)

The Archbishop of Vienna has only been in office for about a month, but he already has to deal with numerous complaints about cathedral priest Toni Faber. Although Faber's lifestyle and attitude toward celibacy seem realistic, they do not necessarily correspond to the obedience to old traditions that the Catholic Church expects. 

Two men united in faith and openness to reform – but separated by their public image. One distributes soup to the needy with the Caritas "Canisibus," while the other dances publicly with his girlfriend at balls. Indeed, Vienna Archbishop Josef Grünwidl had barely taken office when complaints about cathedral priest Toni Faber reached him.