Msgr. Kräutler has dedicated his life to denouncing the violation of indigenous people's human rights. This is why he's received death threats for the past 30 years and needs a bodyguard.
This has not stopped him from carrying out his mission. He has a deep knowledge of the Brazilian Amazon and its people. This is why he supports the priestly ordination of married men with a proven life of faith.
MSGR. ERWIN KRÄUTER
Bishop Emeritus of Xingu (Brazil)
“I will tell you will total sincerity – there is no other option. The indigenous people do not understand celibacy. I tell you this openly.”
The bishop explains that he does not intend to open controversy about celibacy. He insists that it's important to look for a pastoral solution for communities that only receive the Eucharist once a year.
MSGR. ERWIN KRÄUTER
Bishop Emeritus of Xingu (Brazil)
“The Eucharist can only be celebrated when there is a celibate priest, a celibate man, otherwise it cannot be celebrated. Then, from my point of view, celibacy is placed above the Eucharist.”
He's lived in indigenous Amazon communities for 54 years where the women play a primordial role. In two out of three communities, they are the ones who animate spiritual life.
MSGR. ERWIN KRÄUTER
Bishop Emeritus of Xingu (Brazil)
There's talk of valuing the role of a woman, but how do we do this? We have to go further, we have to do something concrete. I'm thinking about a woman deaconate. Why not?
During this press conference, one of the journalists asked for forgiveness on behalf of all information professionals for the contempt and mockery of the native people that has come from the press.
