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20 December 2024
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MIDDLE EAST | EU bishops advocates for peaceful transition in Syria
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11 December - “The bishops of the European Union are closely monitoring developments in Syria and express their hope for an orderly and peaceful transition of power. COMECE urges the new regime to reject sectarianism and extremism while embracing the contributions and unique identities of the many ethnic and religious minorities that enrich the Middle Eastern nation. Furthermore, they call for the protection of religious temples and sites belonging to minorities, the provision of access to humanitarian aid, and the safe return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their homes,” states the Secretariat of COMECE in a note issued on Wednesday, December 11, 2024.
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In this context, it is noteworthy that, prior to the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, the President of COMECE, H.E. Mgr. Mariano Crociata, addressed a letter, dated 7 December 2024, to H. Exc. Mgr. Joseph Tobji, Archbishop of Aleppo (Maronite), and to all other bishops of the Christian Churches in Aleppo. Read the Press Release | Download the Letter
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PEACE | Mgr. Crociata sends letter of solidarity to the people of Ukraine
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13 December - COMECE has reaffirmed its solidarity with the people of Ukraine in a letter addressed to the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organisations, on Monday, 2 December 2024. Signed by the President of COMECE, H. E. Mgr. Mariano Crociata, the letter conveys EU bishops’ steadfast support and compassion for Ukraine amidst the ongoing suffering caused by Russia’s full-scale military aggression. Read the Press Release | Download the Letter
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VIDEO | COMECE calls for enhanced Intergenerational Dialogue in EU projects at EP Article 17 meeting
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10 December - COMECE adviser on Culture and Education, Emilio Dogliani, participated in the Article 17 TFEU dialogue meeting held at the European Parliament on intergenerational dialogue. The event was hosted by Vice-President of the European Parliament, Antonella Sberna. Dogliani stressed the need to tap into existing intergenerational projects, reinforce EU youth programmes and learning, address challenges and opportunities posed by digitalisation. Read the News | Full video recording | Photo Gallery
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DOCUMENT | COMECE advocates for the unique contribution of Religious Education at the European Schools in latest position paper
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18 December - COMECE publishes a position paper titled ‘Religious Education in the European Schools – A Unique and Essential Contribution to the Next Generation of Europeans’ on Wednesday, 18 December 2024. The document underscores the importance of preserving the religious and testimonial dimension of faith within the educational mission of European Schools. Read the News | Read Position Paper
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CHRISTMAS | Christian leaders and MEPs unite for Christmas Prayer Breakfast at the European Parliament
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17 December - COMECE participated in the Christmas Prayer Breakfast held at the European Parliament, Strasbourg, on Tuesday, 17 December 2024. COMECE General Secretary, Fr. Manuel Barrios Prieto, together with leaders of other Christian Churches, celebrated an ecumenical prayer, praying for peace in the world and for persecuted Christians. Read the News | Read Prayer | Photos
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DOCUMENT | Caritas Europa issues new report on a just economy
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12 December - COMECE General Secretary Fr. Manuel Barrios Prieto participated in the presentation of Caritas Europa's new report on a just economy. He contributed to the discussion on transforming the EU economy to eradicate poverty and protect the environment. Read the Report
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NEWS | COMECE External Affairs Commission discusses foreign and security policy priorities of the new EU institutional cycle
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11 December - Chaired by H.E. Mgr. Jan Vokál, the COMECE Commission on EU External Relations gathered online for its autumn meeting to discuss foreign and security policy priorities of the new EU institutional cycle, in view of a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and the Middle East. The next meeting of the Commission will take place in Brussels on 19-20 May 2025.
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NEWS | COMECE Commission on Culture and Education discusses Hungarian EU Presidency's initiatives in the fields of culture and heritage
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12 December - H.E. Mgr. Janusz Stepnowski (Poland) chaired the autumn meeting of our Commission on Culture and Education. The meeting was held online. Main focus: programme and initiatives of the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2024 in the fields of culture and heritage.
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NEWS | COMECE hosts roundtable on the contribution of local FBOs to the Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus
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10 December - The Secretariat of COMECE hosted a roundtable with faith-based organisations, EU officials and donors on the contributions of local FBOs to the Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus in fragile contexts. The event was co-organised with Caritas Europa, Islamic Relief Worldwide, EU-CORD Network and ACT Alliance EU.
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CHRISTIAN HERITAGE | The town of Vadstena (Sweden)
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DOCUMENT | Justice and Peace Europe issues statement on International Human Rights Day 2024
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9 December - Our partner Justice and Peace Europe issued a statement on the occasion of the International Human Rights Day, reaffirming its commitment to a vision of human rights grounded in the principle of Imago Dei - the belief that each human being is created in the image of God. Read the document
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EVENT | Workshop and conference on "How to disagree well - Christian reconciliation"
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29 November - The Chapel for Europe and the Rose Castle Foundation organise a series of three conferences on the difficult journey of HOPE and how to transform conflict. These conferences aim to facilitate a deep encounter between faith and some leaders involved in the public and political sphere.
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From the heart of Europe, the organisers want to contribute to a more sustainable peace in today’s polarised society, not through seeking shallow common ground, but through better
understanding our differences – learning to disagree well.
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The first of this conference "How to disagree well - Christian reconciliation" will be held on Tuesday, 21 January 2025 at 19:00 at the Chapel for Europe, Brussels, and will feature also the participation of COMECE General Secretary Fr. Manuel Barrios Prieto. More info
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