Father Tomáš Halík says secularization can purify faith rather than only weakening it

Father Tomáš Halík stated that the loss of religious monopolies does not necessarily mean the end of faith. He said a Church without institutional privileges can become more free, humble, and credible.

Halík spoke during an international conference titled "Shaping Synodality in Europe: From Vision to Action Plan," held from September 14 to 17, 2026, in Wels, Austria. The event was held under the patronage of the Council of European Bishops' Conferences.

He noted that Europe offers the universal Church the experience of faith after losing social power, an obvious place in culture, and institutional privileges.