Category: Articles

In April 2025, Prague once again witnessed the “March for Lie”… sorry “March for Life” – an annual public demonstration against abortion organised by the ultra-conservative Christian association Hnutí pro život (“Movement for Life”). The march was blocked by pro-choice counter-protesters and eventually dispersed by police. The march didn’t reach its final destination.

While it may seem like a marginal clash between worldviews, the broader implications are not to be underestimated, especially in a country where church-state separation is both constitutionally enshrined and constantly tested.

The Event Itself

The procession, with its symbolic white crosses and slogans such as “Let us protect life from conception”, was endorsed by several church authorities and attended by thousands. Blocking actions by feminist and pro-choice activists disrupted the route and caused media attention. Police intervened and partially cleared the way, though the march didn’t make it to its planned endpoint.

This isn’t the first time the march faced public resistance. But each time, the political reach of its organisers seems to grow.

Hnutí pro život, the main organiser, is more than a moralist protest group. It is an activist lobbying force with clear political ambitions. Their efforts aim not just at public persuasion, but at changing laws in a country that has allowed safe, legal abortion for decades.

They are proposing changes to Czech reproductive laws, while promoting abstinence-only education and challenging comprehensive sex education, and spreading emotionally manipulative and medically questionable narratives about abortion. 

In a secular, evidence-oriented society, such actions should raise concern.

The recent reaffirmation by Czech President Petr Pavel that “the Catholic Church should not have privileged status” reflects a wider unease. He referred to the long-disputed Concordat – a bilateral treaty with the Vatican signed in 2002 but still unsigned by the president. If passed, it would grant the Church a special influence – a move seen by many as incompatible with democratic secularism. We wrote about it here.

This concern is not abstract. In 2023, the Church lobbied against anti-discrimination amendments in family law. Religious groups attempted to halt IVF treatments for single women. And of course, the March for Life continues as a flagship spectacle for those pushing for a theologically inspired redefinition of civil rights.

The Czech Republic – historically one of the most secular countries in Europe – must remain vigilant. The presence of religious lobbyists in public policy spaces, particularly those seeking to limit reproductive freedom, should be scrutinised, not normalised.

The “March for Life” may appear like a fringe event. But its symbolism and strategic backing point to a larger cultural campaign. As secular citizens, skeptics, and critical thinkers, we must ask: Whose values are shaping our laws? Whose voice is heard when morality is legislated? And is the Czech Republic truly secular, or just passively so?

Let’s make sure that freedom of religion doesn’t silently become freedom of religious rule.

Sources:

https://ct24.ceskatelevize.cz/clanek/domaci/pochod-pro-zivot-zablokovali-odpurci-akce-360430

https://www.seznamzpravy.cz/clanek/domaci-zivot-v-cesku-pochod-pro-zivot-v-praze-zablokovali-odpurci-do-cile-nedorazil-275141

https://www.ceskenoviny.cz/zpravy/2665851

https://www.irozhlas.cz/zpravy-domov/privilegovane-postaveni-katolicke-cirkve-smlouva-s-vatikanem-podle-pavla-neni-v_2505071734_kce

The Czech Republic, often touted as one of the most atheistic nations in Europe, has recently witnessed a contentious episode within its Catholic Church, highlighting the deep-seated tensions between traditionalist and progressive factions, as well as broader issues of conservatism, transparency, and the handling of sexual abuse allegations. The controversy surrounding the dismissal of Marek Orko Vácha, a popular and unconventional priest, by Prague Archbishop Jan Graubner, has ignited public debate and exposed the fault lines within the Czech Catholic community.

God in the Pub

Vácha, known for his engaging sermons and ability to connect with both believers and non-believers, was removed from his position as a vicar in the academic parish of the Most Holy Saviour Church. The official reason given for his dismissal by Prague Archbishop Jan Graubner was his alleged violation of Catholic Church regulations during a service broadcast on TV Noe as part of a program called “Hospodin v hospodě” (“God in the Pub”). These alleged violations included conducting the mass in an unsuitable location and deviations from established liturgical rules. However, these reasons appear to be merely a pretext for removing a priest whose open-minded approach clashes with the more conservative elements within the Church. Vácha himself has stated that he believes he did not violate any rules.

Critics argue that the accusations against Vácha are nonsensical for several reasons. First, masses outside of traditional church settings are not uncommon, with popes and bishops often celebrating mass in stadiums and other improvised locations. Vácha also had support from people such as the director of TV Noe (who broadcasted the mass) who stated that Vácha had everything prepared appropriately. Second, the claim that the mass was not conducted with sufficient dignity seems dubious, given that the broadcast of the mass is available and one can easily assess the atmosphere of the event.

The Archdiocese claimed that the service sparked outrage among believers and clergy, prompting Graubner to take action. But it has been revealed that Archbishop Graubner allegedly encouraged parishioners to complain about Vácha’s mass before his dismissal, suggesting a coordinated effort to oust Vácha. Critics of his dismission argue that Vácha’s removal was motivated by his progressive views and his attempt to modernize the Church. Vácha himself has stated that the service was carefully prepared. Supporters of Vácha view his dismissal as a blow to the Church’s efforts to remain relevant in a secular society. Some observers pointed out that the church’s approach to Vácha contrasts starkly with its slow response to allegations of sexual abuse by priests.

The situation has sparked protests and demonstrations. Demonstrators in Prague demanded the resignation of Graubner and other Church officials and also criticized the lack of transparency in the Church’s decision-making processes and its perceived unwillingness to address past cases of abuse.

Critics also point to the Church’s attempts to influence legislation regarding the reporting of sexual assault, raising concerns about its commitment to protecting victims.

Moreover, the controversy has intensified the debate surrounding the ratification of the Vatican treaty (we wrote about it here), with opponents arguing that it unduly favours the Church and could hinder the prosecution of abuse cases due to the protection of confessional secrecy. The situation is made more complicated by the Czech Republic’s history and relationship to religion – the country has a history of skepticism and even hostility towards religious institutions, stemming from the era of enforced Catholicism under the Habsburg monarchy, the secularising influence of the First Republic, and the massive anti-religious propaganda of the tens of years lasting communist regime.

While traditional religious affiliation is low, many Czechs express a belief in some form of higher power or spirituality. However, they often prefer to practice their faith outside the confines of established churches. This reflects a broader trend of distrust toward institutions. Many Czechs are also quite superstitious.

The Czech Catholic Church, like many religious organisations, faces the challenge of adapting to a rapidly changing world. The Graubner-Vácha affair underscores the need for greater transparency, open dialogue, and a willingness to address past failings. Without these steps, the Church risks further alienating itself from a society that values secularism, individual freedom, and accountability.

Edit:

Joint Statement by Archbishop Jan Graubner and Fr. Marek Vácha
February 21, 2025

In response to recent events, we wish to jointly acknowledge our shortcomings and offer each other an apology on the eve of the approaching Lenten season: for the ways in which we have hurt one another in the celebration of the Holy Mass; for the insensitivity in the manner chosen to end the cooperation with a priest who had been assisting in the Archdiocese of Prague; and for the lack of sensitivity in our communication. We regret any scandal this may have caused.

We both wish to enter the Lenten season in mutual forgiveness and reconciliation.

We hope that this small gesture of mutual reconciliation will contribute to healing the wounds we inflict upon one another in today’s divided and contentious society.

We desire not to cause further wounds to the body of the Church.

In necessariis unitas, in dubiis libertas, in omnibus caritas.

May God help us all in this endeavor.

Mons. Jan Graubner, Archbishop of Prague
Fr. Marek Vácha, Priest, Educator, and Writer

The Czech Republic is currently embroiled in a heated debate over the ratification of a concordat with the Vatican. This agreement, long a source of contention, has sparked significant concern among proponents of secularism, human rights advocates, and those seeking justice for victims of sexual abuse. Signed in October 2024 by Prime Minister Petr Fiala and Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, the concordat has drawn criticism for its perceived impact on secularism and accountability.

At the heart of the controversy is a clause granting “pastoral secrecy.” Under this provision, pastoral workers are granted confidentiality rights akin to those of confession, as defined by law. Critics argue that the term “pastoral worker” is overly broad and could apply to anyone designated by the Church, not just clergy. This ambiguity, they contend, creates a dangerous loophole that could shield cases of sexual abuse and hinder investigations. The Catholic Church’s track record of limited transparency in addressing abuse allegations only heightens these concerns. Detractors see the agreement as affording the Church a privileged position, undermining principles of equality and justice.

Victims of sexual abuse have also spoken out against the concordat, accusing it of prioritizing institutional protection over their right to justice. They warn that expanding pastoral secrecy makes it easier to hide abuse, as nearly anyone could be labelled a “pastoral worker.” For these victims, the agreement represents an unacceptable attempt to shield the Church from accountability while granting it an unjustified special status.

The Pirate Party, initially part of the governing coalition, has emerged as a vocal opponent of the concordat. Party members accuse Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský of withholding key information about the treaty during negotiations. They argue that the agreement favours perpetrators over victims and criticize the lack of transparency in the negotiation process.

Ratification and Legal Challenges

Despite widespread criticism, the Czech Parliament has pressed forward with ratification. The Chamber of Deputies approved the concordat in its first reading, despite attempts by the Pirate Party to delay proceedings. Foreign Minister Lipavský defended the agreement, asserting that it aligns with Czech law and clarifying that “pastoral worker” applies to all religious denominations. He also emphasized that the secrecy of confession is not considered absolute under Czech law.

Nevertheless, concerns persist. Senator Václav Láska of SEN 21 described the agreement as one-sided and disadvantageous to the Czech state. He noted that while the state agrees to recognize church marriages, the Church does not reciprocally recognize civil unions. According to Láska, the concordat benefits only the Catholic Church, creating an imbalance in obligations. He has called on the Constitutional Court to examine whether the agreement aligns with the constitutional order and ensures equal rights for future religious groups.

Although the Senate has also approved the concordat, critics’ request for a constitutional review was rejected. The Senate supported the agreement with 52 votes out of 73 senators present, with unanimous backing only from the People’s Party faction. The concordat now awaits further approval from the Chamber of Deputies and the president’s signature before becoming legally binding.

Historical and International Context

The controversy has deep historical roots. The Czech Republic remains one of the few European nations without a formal agreement with the Vatican. A previous attempt to ratify a concordat in 2003 failed due to concerns that the treaty was both disadvantageous to the Czech state and detrimental to the principle of equality among religious groups. The current agreement represents the Vatican’s latest effort to expand its influence in the country. Critics point to similar agreements in other nations that have been used to obscure cases of sexual abuse within the Church.

The ratification of the concordat continues to divide Czech society. The decision to move forward despite significant public opposition raises serious questions about the state of secularism in the country. Atropos Skeptical Society views the concordat as a threat to the separation of church and state and an unjustifiable expansion of the Catholic Church’s influence.

Personal note

Actually, the ratification of the Concordat is not such a surprise. Although in one of the most atheist states, half of the cabinet members of the ruling coalition are members of some Christian church. And Petr Fiala, the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, said in an interview about marriage for same-sex couples in September 2023:

“I know all the arguments for and against, but this is an ethical issue. A question of internal values, settings, beliefs and other things. And that has to be respected in everyone. Both in those who are for adoption and those who think that marriage should be reserved for the union of a man and a woman for various reasons. For reasons that are simply natural, or theological, or other reasons.”

sources:
https://apnews.com/article/czechia-vatican-treaty-c9b1c49238fd0c41e752dee047850f0e
https://english.radio.cz/czechia-and-vatican-sign-historic-agreement-after-22-years-8832713
https://english.radio.cz/czechias-new-treaty-vatican-what-are-its-uses-and-its-problems-8839473
https://brnodaily.com/2024/11/21/news/victims-of-abuse-in-catholic-church-protest-against-czech-treaty-with-the-vatican/
https://www.ceskenoviny.cz/zpravy/2624083
https://www.irozhlas.cz/zpravy-domov/smlouva-s-vatikanem-ochrani-predatory-rika-michalek-pirati-se-na-ni-podileli_2501051300_vtk

The Treaty:
https://mzv.gov.cz/file/5612552/CESKY_2024_10_20_Agreement_CZ_Holy_See_CZ_version_clean_for_Czech_Republic_sanitized__sanitized__CLEAN_final.docx

Sexualized violence is a dark stain on the face of Czech society, affecting the lives of thousands of women every year. New research presented by proFem and MindBridge Consulting presents alarming data on the economic impact and consequences that ripple through our society.
The research found that more than half of women have experienced some form of sexualized violence, while one in five women have experienced rape.

Although we often discuss the physical consequences such as injuries, research reveals extensive psychological, social and health implications. Victims face heightened sensitivity, lowered self-esteem and even chronic illnesses such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. It is worrying to note that only 32% of the women who needed medical help actually sought it, which clearly shows the barriers to accessing the necessary services that exist.

The cost of treating and caring for victims of sexualized violence amounts to a staggering CZK 2.3 billion a year (EUR 90.5 million). These figures do not include the individual costs borne by victims for treatment or care beyond the scope of health insurance. Most of the resources are spent on treating the psychological consequences faced by victims, which clearly illustrates the devastating impact of this form of violence on mental health.

But where is our society in this situation? Instead of taking the side of the victims and finding effective ways to tackle this epidemic, we are facing political games that, for example, prevent the ratification of the Istanbul Convention – the Czech Republic became one of the last EU countries to sign the Istanbul Convention (2016), but ratification has been pending ever since. Despite the President’s calls and the support of the government’s Human Rights Commissioner, we are still facing political obstacles to its implementation.

Groups such as the Christian Alliance for the Family, which oppose ratification of the Convention, represent a tenth of the population, but their voice is widely heard (“surrogacy is a modern form of slavery”, “adoption of children from orphanages by homosexuals is just a nice strategy”, “the need to end state support for ideologies that denigrate the role of the family and deny the natural uniqueness and complementarity of men and women” – read “Stop LGBTQ+”, etc.). The Senate, although narrowly (2 votes), rejected ratification of the Convention, putting political interests ahead of protecting victims. The rejection by senators, particularly from the KDU-ČSL (Christian and Democratic Union – Czechoslovak People’s Party) club, reveals the influence of the Christian lobby. It is unacceptable that in a secular state, religious-political interests should prevail over the protection of human rights and the interests of victims of sexualized violence.
(According to the statement of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs of the Czech Republic (in 2022), the Alliance for the Family is represented in the working group on the Family Policy Concept. It has been cooperating with the Ministry since Marián Jurečka (KDU-ČSL) took up the role of Minister, and the Vice-Chair of the Association, Jan Gregor, is an advisor to the Deputy Minister of Justice.)

What can be done? It is time for the government to take responsibility and act.
It must take steps to raise awareness of the impact of sexualized violence on victims, ensure adequate funding for the prevention of such violence and, most importantly, ensure the availability of specialist services for victims. In order to minimize further traumatization and to ensure that the assistance provided is as sensitive and professional as possible, education of all professions that come into contact with victims is essential.
Let us not forget that behind every statistic there is a human fate, each digit signifying a life filled with pain and suffering. It is our moral and human duty to act and promote changes that will improve the lives of those who are vulnerable and need our help and protection.

Discussion in society and putting pressure on political leaders are key to ensuring a safer future for all citizens of the Czech Republic.
Let us open our eyes and hearts, be reasonable, and oppose violence in all its forms.

The Senate of the Czech Republic voted narrowly not to ratify the Istanbul Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence. Only 34 of the 71 senators present voted in favour of ratification, which was not enough to achieve the required majority of 36 votes.

The failure to ratify the Convention is disappointing for victims of domestic violence in the Czech Republic, who will thus lose the tools for their protection that the international document provides. The majority of European countries have already ratified the Istanbul Convention, and the Czech Republic finds itself in a minority of countries that reject it.

Some senators and critics of the Convention have argued that Czech law already provides sufficient protection for victims of domestic violence and that ratification of the Convention would threaten the “traditional family” and allow “gender ideology” to enter schools. But the arguments against the Convention are not supported by real evidence – the Convention does not threaten the Catholic based “traditional family” in any way and the term “gender ideology” is a straw man. The Convention seeks to provide protection for people in relationships where violence occurs by introducing preventive measures, legal protection for victims and sanctions for perpetrators. Its aim is not to promote any ideology, but to provide assistance to people at risk of domestic violence.

Filip Titlbach, journalist, author and podcaster on Threads:
“What was said in the Senate:
– “we are trying to overcome the will of nature”
– “there will be an obligation to deceive children”
– “the convention says the traditional family is the enemy”
– “it will be taught that men can give birth”
– “the convention is a poisoned apple”
Hoaxes, misinformation and myths have won the day. And it is an international disgrace.”

Martin Dvořák, Minister for European Affairs, wrote on Twitter:
“Unfortunately, the Istanbul Convention did not pass the Senate. I am sorry that the Istanbul Convention has become a bogeyman for “traditional” Czech families and despite the great efforts of the Convention’s supporters, the rudder has not been turned back. It is an international disgrace. I am really angry and sorry because we are sending a very bad signal to women and girls that we do not consider it necessary to protect victims of domestic violence.”

Ratification of the Convention would symbolize that the Czech state does not accept violence against women and families – violence in Czech households is a serious problem. According to statistics, approximately one in three women and one in 14 men in the Czech Republic experience domestic violence. IKEA research shows that up to 84% of respondents think that more attention should be paid to the issue of domestic violence. At the same time, more than half of the respondents know or at least believe that they have someone in their neighbourhood who has or has had an experience of psychological or physical domestic violence.

And these statistics are just the tip of the iceberg…
“Only about eight percent of victims of domestic violence contact the police,” said Branislava Marvánová Vargová from the ROSA centre, which provides comprehensive assistance to women victims of domestic violence.

“I went to the calendar to check that we are really living in 2024 and not in the Middle Ages. Thank you to all the senators and representatives who supported the ratification of the Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence today.
Unfortunately, the rest have made it clear that they are not interested in combating domestic and sexual violence or in helping victims. I believe that the citizens will make it clear to them in the autumn elections that this issue is important to them. We will continue to fight to put the ideas of the Convention into practice,” said Ivan Bartoš, Deputy Prime Minister for Digitalization and Minister for Regional Development of the Czech Republic.

Šel jsem si radši ověřit do kalendáře, že fakt žijeme v roce 2024 a ne ve středověku. Děkuji všem senátorům a senátorkám, kteří dnes společně s Piráty podpořili přijetí Úmluvy o potírání a prevenci násilí. Bohužel zbytek dal najevo, že je boj proti domácímu a sexuálnímu násilí…— Ivan Bartoš (@PiratIvanBartos) January 24, 2024

_{^{Deputy Prime Minister Ivan Bartoš on Twitter}}

Hopefully this situation will change in the future, and we will overcome the backward approach of conservatives and the Catholic Church playing (not only) “gender ideology” false card –
– “all efforts to prevent and combat violence against women and domestic violence must be welcomed on principle, but must not be done at the expense of obscuring and challenging the natural order. In recent years there have been attempts, along with addressing the problem of violence against women, to establish a new view of the role of man, which is incompatible with the natural law, common sense and Christian experience” (Joint letter of the Bishops of the Czech and Moravian dioceses on the approval of the so-called Istanbul Convention) –
– and the Czech Republic will join the countries that have already ratified the Convention.

sources:
https://www.denik.cz/z_domova/istanbulska-umluva-petr-pavel.html
https://www.heroine.cz/spolecnost/souboj-o-umluvu-proti-nasili-vrcholi-kdo-ma-v-senatu-navrch-a-co-se-muze-dit-dal
https://www.irozhlas.cz/zpravy-domov/senat-istanbulska-umluva_2401242301_mst
https://denikn.cz/minuta/1337653/
https://denikn.cz/1337676/istanbulska-umluva-tesne-neprosla-senatem-chybely-dva-hlasy-nepomohl-apel-prezidenta-ani-emotivni-vystrcil/?ref=inm
https://www.threads.net/@filip.titlbach/post/C2gMAO9ISRn?hl=cs
https://twitter.com/_MartinDvorak/status/1750276456976982468
https://www.cirkev.cz/cs/aktuality/180513istanbulska-umluva-neni-posilou-pratelstvi-muze-a-zeny-pisou-biskupove
https://www.seznamzpravy.cz/clanek/fakta-zena-partnera-vyprovokuje-domaci-nasili-v-cesku-je-skryte-za-stereotypy-183380
https://www.ikea.com/cz/cs/newsroom/corporate-news/vyzkum-ikea-domaci-nasili-je-v-ceske-spolecnosti-zatizeno-mnoha-stereotypy-pubd508a147