Draft:Marek Orko Vacha and Jan Graubner Controversy

Marek Orko Vacha, a Czech Roman Catholic priest, biologist, and medical ethicist, conducted a mass in a non-traditional setting as part of the TV show "Hospodin v hospodě" (Lord in the Pub), broadcast by TV Noe. This project involved holding masses in various non-traditional locations, such as a pub-like sýpka (storehouse) at Břevnov Monastery, aiming to reach younger and non-traditional audiences. The specific mass, held in early 2025, was described as having a "joyful and trusting" atmosphere but raised concerns among some believers for potentially violating liturgical norms, leading to complaints.

Removal and Public Reaction

On February 14, 2025, Archbishop Jan Graubner, the Archbishop of Prague, removed Vacha from his role as vicar at the academic parish at the Church of the Holy Saviour in Prague, a position he held for 18 years alongside Father Tomáš Halík. The archdiocese's spokesman, Jiří Prinz, stated to Deník N that Vacha violated church prescriptions during the mass, particularly citing the setting and conduct as reasons for the decision. The parish itself was unaware of the specific reasons, adding to the controversy.

This decision sparked significant public reaction, with hundreds demonstrating outside the archbishop's palace on February 16, 2025, criticizing Graubner's decision and even calling for his resignation, amid broader discontent with the church's handling of such matters. Father Tomáš Halík, Vacha's superior, criticized the removal as unusual and potentially violating church law, highlighting the tension within the community.

Resolution Through Joint Statement

The affair reached a resolution on February 21, 2025, when Graubner and Vacha issued a joint statement, published on the Archdiocese of Prague's website. In this statement, both apologized for their roles in the conflict:

• Graubner apologized for the insensitive handling of the termination of cooperation and communication.
• Vacha apologized for any hurt caused by his celebration of the Holy Mass, particularly in the context of the controversial setting.

They expressed regret for any scandal caused and stated their wish to enter the Lenten season with mutual forgiveness and reconciliation. The statement concluded with the Latin phrase "In necessariis unitas, in dubiis libertas, in omnibus caritas" (Unity in necessary things, freedom in doubtful things, charity in all things), signed by both parties.