"The Lilienfeld Abbey distances itself from the participation of a father in a party event," says a message from the Cistercian Abbey Pius Maurer.
The performance is an unannounced private activity, continued the notification.
"The Church basically does not make a recommended election for any party." This also applies to fathers in the area of Lilienfeld Abbey.
Videos in social networks show how the Austrian Cistercian Justin Minkowitsch stands in front of an advertising banner of the FPÖ in the Habit.
The religious emphasizes: "Not all of us tick the same way in Lilienfeld."
In doing so, he alludes to the controversy over the campaign slogan of the FPÖ "Your Wille Geschehehe".
Previously, the Austrian bishops and Minkovich's abstentions publicly criticised the religious turn in the election campaign. Abt Maurer described the use of the sentence as party propaganda as "tasteless" and "tactless".
Minkowitsch, on the other hand, praised the use of the sentence as a reference to a "democratic principle". Therefore, as a religious, he shows presence at the FPÖ event. Christianity is political, said Minkowitsch. The FPÖ is the only party worth mentioning, because it is committed to protecting life. He is "infinitely grateful" for this.
The performance caused discussions in Austria. While FPÖ circles described the clergy as "Mut-Parrer", the press spokesman of Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP), Daniel Kosak, wrote in X: "Apparently, there is a Father at an FPÖ event. If that is the case, it would be quite a crossing of the border."