Luxembourg’s Archbishop has suggested that the country will not be able to maintain its current standard of living, in a stark reflection on the country’s changing economy.
In 2013, Jean-Claude Hollerich predicts a “stagnation” in the economy for Luxembourg and the rest of Europe. “Luxembourg has benefited a lot but can never maintain its standard of living,” he said, calling for a reinvention of the welfare state to restore Europe’s competitiveness while keeping poverty at bay.
The Archbishop, who has been in post for 15 months, said that people failed to predict the current economic downturn by not reading the “signs of the times”. He said that Europe is losing ground compared to the New World and called on Europe to turn its focus on the family.
“It is a community of destinies where we support one another. A lot of Luxembourg’s problems are caused by family breakdown,” he said, adding: “I also think we need more volunteers. The state will not pay for all services in the office in the future. And I want to position the Catholic Church so that it is capable, with other forces to work in civil society to create this future society.”
The Catholic church has been subject to criticism in recent years. Mr Hollerich admitted that some parts of society suggest Catholicism is passé. He reminded people that Christians are part of society and have a right to an opinion on the major issues. “I am fully aware that we are not the only way. But instead of fight, it is better to discuss,” he said.
The Archbishop concluded by underlining the engagement of young people in Christianity. He said that 175 young people from Luxembourg had signed up for the 2013 World Youth Day in Rio, taking place in July.
Reporting by Maurice Fick
Source link : https://www.luxtimes.lu/luxembourg/archbishop-calls-for-welfare-state-reinvention/1287684.html
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Publish date : 2023-06-09 20:53:31
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