Catholic lay council of Austria
The Catholic Lay Council of Austria (KLRÖ) is a platform for Catholic lay associations, associations and movements that are represented in at least three Austrian dioceses . It is divided into five so-called curiae : Curia I comprises the Catholic Action and its subdivisions, Curia II is congruent with the AKV (Working Group of Catholic Associations), and Curia III contains very heterogeneous groups and movements (from the Catholic Family Association via the charismatic renewal of the congregation up to "we are church"), the Curia IV consists of diocesan lay representatives and in the Curia V catholic dignitaries gather.
The current president of the lay council is Theo Quendler, general secretary Rolf M. Urrisk-Obertynski, honorary presidents Ernst Waldstein and Wolfgang Rank. Alois Schwarz from the Diocese of Gurk is the episcopal advisor.
The Catholic lay council sees itself as the voice of the laity within the Catholic Church in Austria. Due to its rather unclear profile, its role is also a bit controversial among the member organizations. It is undisputedly important as a network where the very different member organizations remain within shouting distance of one another.