.- The
Conference of European Union Bishops (COMECE) Executive Committee has
issued a statement ahead of Europe Day (May 9, 2006) in which they
welcome reflection on the future of Europe as well as positive
initiatives of the European Commission but warm that debates must
continue in the determination of Europe’s identity.
The executive
committee of the COMECE includes President Bishop Adrianus van Luyn
SDB, Bishop of Rotterdam, Netherlands, Archbishop Diarmuid Martin,
Archbishop of Dublin, Ireland (Vice-President) and Auxiliary Bishop
Piotr Jarecki, Auxiliary Bishop of Wasaw (Vice-President).
In welcoming the
initiatives to reflect upon the future of the European Union, the
COMECE Executive Committee highlights that “at present the European
Commission’s proposals are not sufficient to actually revive the debate
on the future of Europe particularly in light of the indifference
demonstrated by many citizens and politicians towards the European
Union (EU).”
They call upon
those responsible for Member States and European institutions to turn
their attention to the problems of Europe with renewed energy and to
establish a workable framework for the European Union to facilitate the
building of a more just society.
In their
statement, released Friday, the bishops observe that the European Union
must place the human being and its inalienable dignity at the heart of
its efforts to build a just society. They also identify the need for
greater account to be taken of the Christian faith and the ethical
convictions of many people in Europe, while maintaining a corresponding
regard for other faiths and beliefs.
“It is vital”,
they wrote, “that our leaders concentrate on shaping better and more
democratic structures. Reform of the EU’s current treaties would play a
major role in resolving some of the major challenges confronting the EU
in particular in economic and foreign policy.”
The
Bishops are convinced that necessary reforms can be achieved through
the Treaty Establishing a Constitution for Europe. The debate on the
future of Europe should therefore concentrate on the Constitutional
Treaty so as to facilitate ratification of the treaty in all the Member
States and establish a uniform political and legal framework for the
European Union, they say.
The Bishops
likewise emphasized that the Church is prepared to make its own special
contribution to shaping a just society in Europe. It is, however, the
citizens and in particular, the politicians, who bear responsibility
for building such a society.
The Bishops
encouraged all citizens and politicians “to face up to this
responsibility with renewed energy and to advance the building of a
just society in Europe.”
COMECE is a
Commission of the Catholic Bishops’ Conferences of the member states of
the European Union. The Bishops’ Conferences of Bulgaria, Croatia and
Romania have observer status.
European Union Bishops encourage politicians, citizens to create framework for just society in Europe
Related news
- Orthodox, Catholic leaders gather to discuss state of the ‘soul of Europe’
- Europe, America need to listen to each other, says Cardinal Schonborn during historic symposium
- Pope to European politicians: Ignoring Christian heritage is sign of historical immaturity
- Italian intellectuals: moral and spiritual crisis prevents Europe from reacting to Islamic terrorism
Related articles
* The number of messages that can be online is limited. CNA reserves the right to edit messages for content and tone. Comments and opinions expressed by users do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of CNA. CNA will not publish comments with abusive language, insults or links to other pages
Featured Videos
May
19
Catholic Daily
Gospel of the Day
John 20,19-23
Gospel
Date
05/19/13
05/18/13
05/17/13
Daily Readings
First Reading:: Acts 2:1-11Second Reading:: 1 Cor 12:3b-7, 12-13Gospel:: Jn 20:19-23Homily of the Day
John 20,19-23
Homily
Date
05/19/13
05/18/13
05/17/13
Most Popular
Ads by AdsLiveMedia.com
