Full edition for scientific use. The analysis illuminates the current challenges and changes in the priesthood in Central Europe. The focus is on the growing shortage of priests, the changing role of priests in society and the pastoral challenges in an increasingly secularised society. It emphasises that priests should not only act as ministers of the sacraments, but increasingly as companions of the faithful. In order to cope with this change, the need for new pastoral approaches is emphasised, including the greater involvement of lay people and deacons in order to ensure the long-term relevance of the church in the region.

Religious studies by Paul M. Zulehner