Category Archives: Policy Areas

Press Release

COMECE: British and Irish Bishops on Brexit

During their Plenary Assembly, the COMECE Bishops had an exchange on the outcome and consequences of the referendum in the United Kingdom. Bishop William Kenney, delegate of the England and Wales Bishops’ Conference, explained that since the outcome of the Brexit referendum ‘there is very little clarity as to what is going to happen or what consequences will ensue.’ He said he believes the Church … Continue reading »

Press Release

Migrants: from fear to compassion

Mass migration prompted by global conflict and ecological crises has stirred up unresolved fears in European societies. Understanding and responding to this was the central theme of a dialogue seminar that took place on 24 October between churches and the European Commission. Participants in the seminar identified two widely experienced types of fear. The first is the fear of rejection, violence, and exclusion many migrants … Continue reading »

NEWS

Europe’s Security: which responsibilities, which freedom?

This years’ International Workshop and General Assembly of Justice & Peace Europe held under the chairmanship of its President Mgr Jean-Claude Hollerich in Luxembourg explored the challenges of security facing Europe today in dialogue with representatives of politics, the military, EU institutions, civil society and the Church, including the General Secretary of COMECE. In their final declaration, the participants called to “build bridges of justice … Continue reading »

NEWS

Surrogacy: Council of Europe rejects draft recommendation

The Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly voted against the adoption of a recommendation on ‘Children’s rights related to surrogacy’, based on a report by Petra De Sutter (Belgium, SOC). The report was recommending to draw up European guidelines to safeguard children’s rights in relation to surrogacy arrangements. Read the COMECE Opinion on ‘Gestational Surrogacy – The question of European and international rules’.

Press Release

Paris Agreement on Climate Change: the practical implementation begins

COMECE welcomes the ratification by the European Union of the climate agreement signed last year in Paris. Following the deposit of the instruments of ratification to the United Nations on Friday in New York, the climate agreement can now enter into force. This raises hopes that the international community will be able to act quickly and responsibly in the fight against climate change. Now that … Continue reading »

NEWS

Catholic Church and the European Solidarity September

The sixteenth edition of the conference on the role of the Catholic Church in the process of European integration co-organised by COMECE together with partners in Cracow, on September 21-22, 2016 focused this time on four specific issues imperatively necessitating solidarity in the EU, namely the solidarity in security and defence policy, solidarity towards the challenges of migrations and asylum, solidarity in reference to the … Continue reading »