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Category: Society

  • “March for Life” and the Struggle for Czech Secularism

    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 Larger Context – Catholic Privilege in a Secular State

    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.

    Conclusion – Vigilance, Not Complacency

    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

  • Tensions Within Czech Catholicism: The Impact of Vácha’s Removal

    Tensions Within Czech Catholicism: The Impact of Vácha’s Removal

    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.

    Marek Orko Vácha during a lecture at the Scout Institute, photo Wikimedia Commons

    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 and the Vatican: A Controversial Concordat

    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

  • Statement of the Atropos Skeptics Society on the Concordat

    Statement of the Atropos Skeptics Society on the Concordat