Bruxelless: Conference of European Churches, European Commission and Religious Leaders Committed to Continuing Dialogue (12 July 2005)

Conference of European Churches – Office of Communications
Press Release No. 05-36/e 12 July 2005

EUROPEAN COMMISSION AND RELIGIOUS LEADERS COMMITTED TO CONTINUING DIALOGUE

Following his invitation, sixteen religious leaders from the Christian, Jewish and Muslim traditions met today (12 July) with the President of the European Commission, Manuel Barroso. President Barroso and the religious leaders “reaffirmed that they are dedicated to building a free, united, prosperous and peaceful Europe, characterised by solidarity, where all citizens and nations, regardless of their religion, convictions, language, culture, tradition and ethnic origin, may live together and feel at home united in diversity” – as stated in the final communiqué of the meeting.

“The European Commission and the religious leaders are dedicated to continuing their dialogue to make this common vision of a united Europe a reality”, the final statement continues. Whether the Constitutional Treaty and with it article I-47 and Article I-52 (on the open, transparent and regular dialogue between the European Institutions and the communities of faith and conviction) will come into force or not, the dialogue between the European Commission has been taking place successfully for many years and it will continue. The formal adoption of the Constitutional Treaty is not a pre-condition for dialogue to continue – these were some of the sentiments expressed by President Barroso in addressing the religious leaders.

In his contribution to the discussion, Rev Thomas Wipf emphasized that not only should the concerns of the people, as expressed in the French and Dutch referenda, be taken seriously but that the process of building a value-based Europe, which is more than just an economic space, must also be continued. “The big issue of our times seems to be to think European and to overcome selfish and narrow national thinking. We need a new vision of Europe, a new narrative. Maybe the notion of solidarity, inside and outside of Europe, as well as Europe’s responsibility in a global context can provide such narratives for the future,” he added.

Rüdiger Noll highlighted the need for closer co-operation between the churches and the European Commission in the field of education. “Churches are involved in people’s formation at all ages. They support people in the development of their own identity, which is a pre-condition for opening up for a European identity.”

President Barroso and all religious leaders agreed that such a meeting could not have been more timely. The Bishop of London emphasized the important co-operation and mutual support of the religious communities in London after the atrocities. After the tragic events in London, the leaders of the various religious communities along with the President of the European Commission issued a strong statement which concluded: “All participants strongly condemn the terrorist attacks against innocent people in London. No reason, in particular not a religious one, can justify such acts against humanity.”

The Conference of European Churches (CEC) was represented at the meeting by the President of the Swiss Protestant Federation, Rev. Thomas Wipf, and by the Associate General Secretary and Director of the Church and Society Commission, Rev. Rüdiger Noll. CEC member churches were represented by H.E. Metropolitan Emmanuel of France (Ecumenical Patriarchate), H.E. Bishop Athanasios of Achaia (Church of Greece), Bishop Hilarion of Vienna and Austria (Russian Orthodox Church), the Right Rev & Right Honourable Bishop of London Richard Chartres (Church of England), Prälat Dr Reimers and OKR’in Sabine von Zanthier (EKD).

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The Conference of European Churches (CEC) is a fellowship of some 125 Orthodox, Protestant, Anglican and Old Catholic Churches from all countries of Europe, plus 40 associated organisations. CEC was founded in 1959. It has offices in Geneva, Brussels and Strasbourg.

For more information:

Donatella Rostagno
Church and Society Commission of CEC
Phone +32 2 234 68 36
Fax +32 2 231 14 13
e-mail: dro@cec-kek.be

Luca Negro
CEC Office of Communications
Phone +41 22 791 64 85 or 791 63 25
Fax +41 22 791 62 27
e-mail: Luca.Negro@cec-kek.org