Léon-Arthur Elchinger (2 July 1908, in Soufflenheim – 30 June 1998, in Strasbourg) was the Bishop of Strasbourg from 1967 to 1984.
Diploma Ph.D. in theology and in scholasticism philosophia Bachelor of Arts
Career in the Order 1931: Ordained Catholic priest in April, then nominated professor and director at the theological seminary in Strasbourg 1938: Military chaplain in Strasbourg 1941: Nominated Senior of the theological seminary of Strasbourg; withdrawn back to Clermont-Ferrand during World War II 1945: Nominated Diocesan director of the catholic pedagogy of Strasbourg 1947: Nominated Canon of the Strasbourg Cathedral 1958: Nominated ancillary Bishop and coadjutor Mgr Weber 1962–1965: Participated in the Second Vatican Council; made a notable intercession on behalf of the rehabilitation of Galileo Galilei 1967: Nominated Bishop of Strasbourg 1984: Resigned as Bishop of Strasbourg, being replaced by Msgr. Charles-Amarin Brand 1984–1998: Very active during his retirement, he wrote several books and appeared often in the news media. He died two days before his 90th birthday.
Bibliography By Léon-Arthur Elchinger : Urgence du vrai, Cri d'un évêque - Mame, collection Religion Je plaide pour l'homme - Fayard, collection Religion Liberté d'un Evêque - Centurion David contre Goliath aujourd'hui - Fayard, collection Christianime Risquer la vérité, les racines de l'avenir - Fayard, collection Christianime L'âme de l'Alsace et son avenir - La Nuée Bleue Paroles pour la France - Salvator
Controversy In April 1981, Elchinger remarked at a press conference, "I consider homosexuality a sickness." This prompted the concentration camp deportee, Pierre Seel, to write an open letter to the Bishop on 18 November, and to speak publicly for the first time about his experiences and wartime abuses he had faced as a homosexual.
See also Archbishops of Strasbourg
External links Mgr Elchinger by Yeshoua RASH 1979 Mgr ELCHINGER by the Grand Rabbi René GUTMAN, 1998