The COMECE Legal Affairs Commission – an instrument of exchange among national Church experts and dialogue with the EU institutions – gathered on March 20th 2018 under the Presidency of Mgr. Hoogenboom to debate on number of topics relevant to the status of Churches in the Member States (Article 17(1) TFEU). In this context, participants also exchanged on case law – at the EU Court … Continue reading »

Following the latest developments concerning circumcision and kosher meat processing across Europe, COMECE, together with the European Jewish Community Centre (EJCC) and other partners, co-organises the Conference on “Religious Rituals and Fundamental Rights”. The event will take place in the European Parliament (Room A5H-1) on April 10th, 2018, from 16h00 to 18h00, and will be hosted by the EPP Group Interreligious and intercultural dialogue. Speakers … Continue reading »

COMECE President Cardinal Reinhard Marx reacts to the ban on the circumcision on boys proposed in Iceland by members of the Parliament from five different political parties. “The proposed bill is a dangerous attack on freedom of religion”, states the Cardinal, urging the EU institutions to take action in order to prevent such a threat to fundamental rights. The bill suggests up to a six-year … Continue reading »

Pope Francis released a message condemning “fake news”, saying that it’s a “sign of intolerant and hypersensitive attitudes, and leads only to the spread of arrogance and hatred”. In his message for the World Communications Day, the Holy Father highlighted the importance of Communication as “part of God’s plan for us and an essential way to experience fellowship”. He warned all media operators about the … Continue reading »

“We are not an interest group speaking in favor of religions, we are European citizens committed to the construction of Europe”, said Archbishop Jean-Claude Hollerich during a high-level meeting between the EU institutions and religious leaders from across Europe. European Commission First Vice-President Frans Timmermans, together with European Parliament Vice-President Mairead McGuinness, hosted the 13th Annual High-Level meeting between the EU institutions and leaders from … Continue reading »

COMECE welcomes the appointment by the European Commission of new Article 17 TFEU Dialogue Coordinator, Vincent Depaigne, and is looking forward to strengthening the Dialogue with the EU institutions in a creative manner. Vincent Depaigne has been appointed as new Coordinator for the Dialogue with churches, religious associations or communities as well as philosophical and non-confessional organisations. The renewed distinction of this position from other … Continue reading »

The EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) seems to be willing to mark a new openness to Churches and religious communities, as a wide-ranging expert meeting was organised on the nexus between religion and human rights. The event, held in Vienna on 12-13 September 2017, highlighted the past and present, paramount contribution of Churches and religious communities in the area of fundamental rights. COMECE was … Continue reading »

A delegation from COMECE met in Tallinn on August 18 with the Estonian Prime Minister, Jüri Ratas, and the Minister of Internal Affairs, Andres Anvelt, in order to discuss common concerns as well as the most urgent priorities of the Estonian presidency of the Council of the European Union. COMECE was represented by Mgr. Philippe Jourdan, Apostolic Administrator of Estonia and first Catholic Bishop to … Continue reading »

President of COMECE, Cardinal Marx, conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the Archbishop of Barcelona, Cardinal Juan José Omella, and to the relatives of the victims of the shocking terror attacks that took place yesterday in the region of Catalonia, Spain, injuring more than 100 people and killing 14 people. In his message, Cardinal Marx shared his deepest sympathy with the families of the victims, “people … Continue reading »